Property from a European Private Collection
Valdivia Stone Figure
Circa 2300 - 2000 BC
No reserve
Auction Closed
December 12, 04:12 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
Property from a European Private Collection
Valdivia Stone Figure
Circa 2300 - 2000 BC
Height: 9 in (23 cm)
Alvaro Guillot-Muñoz (1897-1971), Montevideo, acquired prior to 1950
Gerald Berjonneau, Paris, by descent from the above
European Private Collection, acquired from the above on November 16, 1998
Thence by descent
Ancient stone steles from Ecuador are probably idols that were used in ritual contexts. While each stele is unique, there are some common characteristics: they are fairly uniform in their block-like, cubist form and recessed grooves, all in grey-green sandstone. The anthropomorphic idols are often considered as shamans with the sunken faces referential of mystical and nocturnal owls.
