Mixtec Obsidian and Agate Ear Ornaments, Star Form
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Puebla, Mixtec, ca. 1200–1521 CE. A matched pair of ear ornaments, each assembled from two lapidary elements: a thin, translucent white agate disc seated within a separately carved black obsidian surround cut into radiating points, its facets enlivened by finely incised linear rays. A minute suspension hole pierces the center of each disc, allowing the ornaments to be secured through the lobe or hung with perishable fittings. Red cinnabar clings across the reverses, a pigment reserved in Mesoamerica for elite and funerary contexts. Star-form regalia of this kind signaled rank, and the eight-pointed motif is likely a Venus or celestial reference. The precision of the cutting, in two of the hardest and most refractory stones available to Mixtec lapidaries, marks these as luxury goods. Presented on a custom lucite and wood base. Size: 1.875" Diam (4.8 cm Diam).
Mixtec lapidaries of the Postclassic were the acknowledged masters of hard-stone and precious-material work in Mesoamerica, their reputation carrying far beyond Oaxaca and Puebla into the Aztec heartland, where Mixtec craftsmen and their products were prized tribute. Obsidian, a volcanic glass that fractures conchoidally and resists controlled carving, was ordinarily reduced to blades and cores; shaping it into thin, symmetrical, multi-pointed plaques with incised surfaces required abrasive drilling and sustained grinding with harder mineral powders, a labor investment reserved for elite commissions.
Cinnabar, mercuric sulfide, was ground and applied to bodies, bones, and grave goods across Mesoamerica. Its persistence on the reverses here, the faces that would have lain against the flesh or the burial wrapping, is consistent with interment rather than surface decoration.
Provenance: Collection of Jimmy Belilty, Miami. Acquired from Luz Miriam Toro, NYC., 1990’s.
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 #
73052
Condition
Strong red cinnabar deposits mostly on the reverse sides. Intact, Excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Puebla, Mixtec, ca. 1200–1521 CE. A matched pair of ear ornaments, each assembled from two lapidary elements: a thin, translucent white agate disc seated within a separately carved black obsidian surround cut into radiating points, its facets enlivened by finely incised linear rays. A minute suspension hole pierces the center of each disc, allowing the ornaments to be secured through the lobe or hung with perishable fittings. Red cinnabar clings across the reverses, a pigment reserved in Mesoamerica for elite and funerary contexts. Star-form regalia of this kind signaled rank, and the eight-pointed motif is likely a Venus or celestial reference. The precision of the cutting, in two of the hardest and most refractory stones available to Mixtec lapidaries, marks these as luxury goods. Presented on a custom lucite and wood base. Size: 1.875" Diam (4.8 cm Diam).
Mixtec lapidaries of the Postclassic were the acknowledged masters of hard-stone and precious-material work in Mesoamerica, their reputation carrying far beyond Oaxaca and Puebla into the Aztec heartland, where Mixtec craftsmen and their products were prized tribute. Obsidian, a volcanic glass that fractures conchoidally and resists controlled carving, was ordinarily reduced to blades and cores; shaping it into thin, symmetrical, multi-pointed plaques with incised surfaces required abrasive drilling and sustained grinding with harder mineral powders, a labor investment reserved for elite commissions.
Cinnabar, mercuric sulfide, was ground and applied to bodies, bones, and grave goods across Mesoamerica. Its persistence on the reverses here, the faces that would have lain against the flesh or the burial wrapping, is consistent with interment rather than surface decoration.
Provenance: Collection of Jimmy Belilty, Miami. Acquired from Luz Miriam Toro, NYC., 1990’s.
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 #
73052
Condition
Strong red cinnabar deposits mostly on the reverse sides. Intact, Excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
30%
