- 58
Veracruz Greenstone Head Hacha Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- stone
- Height: 8 in ( 20.3 cm)
in a trance-like expression in the style of a Xipe-Totec deity, the eyes lowered to a slit, mouth open in a chant and nostrils flared in inhalation, pierced septum, the slender face with flattened sides enveloped in a rounded and crested headdress cutaway at the temples, with long flanges; in bright green porphory with cinnabar highlighted recessed areas.
Provenance
Alan Long Collection, New York dealer active from the 1960's
Sotheby's, New York, November 22, 1993, lot 113
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 22, 1993, lot 113
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Condition
Excellent condition overall.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The ballgame is one of the defining elements of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, originating on the Gulf Coast as early as 1500 BC. Ballcourts were placed in a central location for village audiences; they symbolized the entrance to the Underworld, and games were reenactments of celestial movements besides serving as important trials for vying warriors and ritual war games. By the Late Classic era in Veracruz there was a sophisticated sculptural genre of the ceremonial accoutrements of yokes, hachas and palmas.
Stone hachas were ceremonial trophies of the protective, status gear worn during the game. The idealized rounded heads with a central crest and slide flanges are the typical form of human head hachas from Veracruz. These may reference the heads of defeated opponents, and the crests on the side and top may emulate birds. This hacha is carved in a deep green stone as opposed to the more common basalt and graystone examples (see Scott in Whittington 2001:59).
Stone hachas were ceremonial trophies of the protective, status gear worn during the game. The idealized rounded heads with a central crest and slide flanges are the typical form of human head hachas from Veracruz. These may reference the heads of defeated opponents, and the crests on the side and top may emulate birds. This hacha is carved in a deep green stone as opposed to the more common basalt and graystone examples (see Scott in Whittington 2001:59).