Best Photos of the Day

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 500 CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden spoon with a lengthy, ovoid scoop and a handle in the form of a figure laying on their stomach with their arms outstretched - perhaps intended as a flying shaman! Wearing a circular headdress, the figure displays muscular limbs, delineated fingers and toes, and a thick abdomen encircled by a slender belt. His round visage exhibits exaggeratedly large characteristics with heavy-lidded eyes, a broad nose, and full, fleshy lips held closed. Fine patina envelops this wonderful utilitarian creation by the ancient Moche! Size: 7.5" L x 1.8" W (19 cm x 4.6 cm); 4.6" H (11.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. An impressive, seated figure carved from a single piece of volcanic basalt stone and holding a hollowed out vessel in his arms. The kneeling figure displays signature Olmec traits including a jowly face, straight and broad nose, downturned "jaguar" mouth, square jaw, rounded chin, puffy eyelids, and slanted eyes. The recessed eye sockets likely once had an inlay, perhaps of shell, and based on similar known sculptures, while the surface was probably once painted white with red details. The bowl cavity is hollowed out and may have functioned as a vessel for holding small offerings or other ritualistic substances. The Size: 7" L x 8" W x 16" H (17.8 cm x 20.3 cm x 40.6 cm).

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Rio Chixoy region, Maya, Chama type, Late Classic Period, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. An incredibly rare example of a Maya Chama cylinder vase due to its extremely narrow production window. Depicted is a regal seated figure bedecked in finery and feathers while extending one hand towards a column of glyphs, all beneath an enormous and dazzling headdress. Repeating registers of black and white chevrons below the upper and lower red bands are a common motif in Chama cylinders that add to their overall attractiveness. Size: 6.6" W x 6.375" H (16.8 cm x 16.2 cm).

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A sizable stone fragment bearing an expertly-carved image of a left-facing figure, perhaps a skeleton-faced deity or a warrior donning a mask. The imposing figure wears a feathered collar around his neck while the bottom of a massive earspool dominates the majority of his shoulder. This figural fragment was likely part of a larger figural composition like a lintel that perhaps recorded the events of a living king or a mythological hero. Size: 14.8" W x 11.5" H x 4" Deep (37.6 cm x 29.2 cm x 10.2 cm).

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An impressive pottery fragment of an incensario depicting the Maya sun god Kinich Ajaw or Kinich Ahau, designated as God G when referring to the codices, shown here in the jaws of a serpentine though quetzl-like creature who was sometimes believed to carry him across the sky. Vibrantly painted, the god is depicted traditionally with his trademark aquiline nose, square eyes, and 2 large curls emitting from the mouth. Beyond its rich iconography, signs of the artisan's skilled technique and artistry add to its undeniable value. Just imagine the intense experience of heat and smoke emitting from a likeness of the sun god as the potent effect of the fumes and fragrances take over - indeed a reflection of the Maya preference for ceremonial theatrics! Size: 10.8" W x 11.8" H (27.4 cm x 30 cm).

Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican / Lambayeque culture, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. A beautiful funerary mask made of hammered copper with a dangling nose ornament and nacre shell eyes. White, mineral-based pigment covers much of the face, leaving the eyebrows, nose, mouth, and ears exposed - the white pigment is also textured from woven cloth being pressed into the surface over the ages, and pierced holes on the upper forehead and ear tabs are for affixing the visage to a mummy bundle. The shimmering white shell are cut into tear drop shapes and a copper pupil is set in the center, creating an intense, if somewhat esotropic expression! Size: 10.75" L x 8.5" W (27.3 cm x 21.6 cm).

Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A lovely jadeite pendant of a lord's visage, in a rich apple green color, the signature hue of the Maya's favorite stone! He stares forward portraying the classic stylized facial features formed via careful string-cut techniques. As was the custom, the artisan worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious surface area- hence the asymmetrical neckline. Jade was revered by the Maya not only for its beauty, but also because it had spiritual power - it was believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. This spectacular pendant is pristine and choice and could easily be strung on a cord or chain as a wearable piece! Size: 2.5" L x 1.5" W (6.4 cm x 3.8 cm).

Pre-Columbian, South Coast of Peru, Nazca, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A hand-built pottery bowl of sizable form with a stable conical base, tall walls, and a thick rim, all with highly burnished surfaces decorated with polychrome pigments. Coursing around the outer walls is a pair of abstract serpentine creatures, each with an anthropomorphic head bearing a lengthy tongue. Each entity consists of multiple legs, a leafy spine, and repeating M-shaped emblems down its lengthy body while a thick tail curls up on the verso. Size: 10.25" W x 4.5" H (26 cm x 11.4 cm).

Native American, Southern United States, New Madrid County Missouri, Campbell Site, Mississippian, "Bells Plain" type, ca. 1220 to 1500 CE. A stunning hand-built pottery bowl exhibiting a rounded base and impressively thin walls that curve gently inwards to a lightly flared rim over a deep basin. A petite plinth holding the form of a bear projects from one side of the ancient vessel. Depicted in stride, the adorable animal displays a thick body supported by four short legs, a pointed tail, and a round head with incised eyes. Another protruding embellishment is featured on the opposite periphery of the bowl, allowing the two to be used as handles. Scholars posit that in Mississippian culture bears were likely seen as protectors and symbolized courage, strength, good omens, and leadership. Size: 8" in diameter x 5.25" H (20.3 cm x 13.3 cm).

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 800 to 1400 CE. A superb jaguar metate expertly carved from a single piece of volcanic stone, standing on 4 stable legs with attention to the curvature of his joints and haunches. His flattened back forms the grinding surface- slightly curved to contain the herbs, medicine, or food being prepared. His sinuous tail curves inward to his foot creating a handle, and his head provides another grip. Stylized zigzags and diamond motifs decorate the neck, tail, and metate rim, and the head is delightfully stylized, and the lips are pulled back in a snarl! Size: 9.5" L x 4.75" W x 3.25" H (24.1 cm x 12.1 cm x 8.3 cm).