Published Papagayo Polychromed Rattling Tripod Bowl, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Nicoya Ceremonial Basalt Stone Seat in Shape of a Jaguar. Published in the Arizona Museum. This large and finely carved example of Costa Rican skill and craftsmanship is in the form of a jaguar which may have been a lineage or clan symbol - as also was the crocodile - according to 16th-century Spanish conquistadors. There are so many features that make this masterpiece so unique. The most realistic depiction is the face with its head captured in a pose that is threatening and fierce. Sculptors in ancient Central America developed elaborate metate forms that were associated with high status and wealth. They were commonly placed within graves of prominent individuals. Certain ancient rituals must have incorporated this activity and required special metates to be created for this purpose. It may have also served as a throne for the ruler, for whom the assurance of the fertility of his land and people would have been paramount. Even today, stone metates...

Large standing female figure with raised arms. Relief facial features, with red-orange and chocolate brown painted decoration, on a cream slip ground. Crossed straps on her chest, an...

Natural pink tourmaline necklace (167 gms) with rare gold Veraguas/Diquis supernatural drummer. Very fine example of ancient, Precolumbian goldwork form Central America, either Costa Rica or Panama. 111 grams of blush pink gold made with “lost wax” technique. The music he plays is not for entertainment, but rather to create magic, casting a spell or summoning other supernatural beings. Healing was the most important function of shamans, both the mortal and the immortal kind. Such a magical pendant...

Cream slip pottery, classical type large standing female figure with arms raised. Dark chocolate painted details, geometric decorated headband. Scattered mineral deposits on the surface. Repaired from approximately twenty original pieces with restoration over the break lines. Provenance: Private Danish...

Exhibiting a rich patina, this petite Maya ceramic bowl dating back to c. 600-900 AD was crafted in the El Copador style. The El Copador style is a polych...

A pre-Columbian ceramic stirrup vessel in Cupisnique style circa 700-500BCE. This ancient vessel features a robust squatted body and a short thick stirr...

Rare Pre-Columbian Nasca Ceramic Drum Vessel Culture: Nasca (Nazca), South Coast of Peru Period: ca. 200–600 CE (Early Intermediate Period) Material: Burnished ceramic with painted ...

A striking example of Pre-Columbian artistry, this footed bowl hails from the Nariño culture of southern Colombia, dating from 850–1500 AD. Crafted with a rich red-orange slip and ad...