Colima Conch Shell Pendant with Jade Eyes
Ca. 300 BCE – 300 CE. Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A pendant carved from the spire of a conch shell into an abstract anthropomorphic figure. The natural curvature of the shell gives the figure a serpentine form. The head features a mouth, nose, and inlaid jade eyes. A small perforation through the side indicates it was likely worn as a pendant or used as a ritual ornament. In ancient Mesoamerica, conch shell was associated with fertility, water, and divine communication, suggesting this object held ceremonial or talismanic significance. The presence of jade, a highly valued material in Mesoamerican cultures, further indicates the prestige of this piece. Size: 6" L x 1" W (15.2 cm x 2.5 cm); 7" H (17.8 cm) on included custom stand. Size: 1" W x 6" D (2.5 cm W x 15.2 cm D); on included custom stand: 7" H (17.8 cm H).
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
193946
Condition
Surface pitting and abrasions. Mineral deposits and discoloration. Jade eyes are intact.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Ca. 300 BCE – 300 CE. Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A pendant carved from the spire of a conch shell into an abstract anthropomorphic figure. The natural curvature of the shell gives the figure a serpentine form. The head features a mouth, nose, and inlaid jade eyes. A small perforation through the side indicates it was likely worn as a pendant or used as a ritual ornament. In ancient Mesoamerica, conch shell was associated with fertility, water, and divine communication, suggesting this object held ceremonial or talismanic significance. The presence of jade, a highly valued material in Mesoamerican cultures, further indicates the prestige of this piece. Size: 6" L x 1" W (15.2 cm x 2.5 cm); 7" H (17.8 cm) on included custom stand. Size: 1" W x 6" D (2.5 cm W x 15.2 cm D); on included custom stand: 7" H (17.8 cm H).
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
193946
Condition
Surface pitting and abrasions. Mineral deposits and discoloration. Jade eyes are intact.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
