Domestic & Heavenly Goddesses

2006 Print Catalog
Early history yields powerful evidence of mother goddess cults. Many of the early creation myths depict the creator as female. Although all goddesses can be referred to as mother, not all are maternal. The female has her active roles as protector, lover, worshipper, and daughter. Beginning with the famous paleolithic Venus found in the Dolni caves of the Czech Republic, in ancient Middle Eastern religions and later in Greece, Rome, and Western Asia, the mother goddess is a symbol of the earth's fertility. As the creative force in nature, she was worshiped under many names, including Astarte, Ceres, Cybele, Demeter, Ishtar, Isis and the Magna Mater. Many ancient cultures celebrated their religion with festivals in which they offered gifts to their women, divine and domestic. When a person died their tomb was filled with grave goods, including female images as votive offerings, decorations and beloved tokens of their time on earth. Tombs, temples and middens have preserved many of the lovely ladies presented to you in this exhibition. These precious figures are not just beautiful to behold, but they also played a key role in myth, religion and daily life.
The Asian pantheon is filled with multiple female goddesses from heaven and earth - whether it is Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or the Indus river valley civilizations that preceded all of them. In India, one of the earliest goddesses depicted is Durga, manifested as a protective Mother Goddess. Later are images of Yamunda, Yakshi a benevolent female, and a river-goddess called Ganga. There are beautiful female Tantric Buddhist images such as Tara, Savari or the spouse in a Yab Yum embrace. Then in the Khmer culture of Cambodia, the goddesses are depicted as alluring and celestial maidens with long skirts and full bosoms.
Also, the female form is proudly represented in tribal art through ancestor worship and in societal rites. These women are seen as the cornerstones of their respective societies, and they are depicted as generally nude, with full breasts and protruding navels. In West Africa, the Mende Tribe has a powerful and sacred female Bundu society in which the helmet masks all depict females. In the Ivory Coast, the women of the Dan culture are especially admired for their domestic skills. Here they are presented with a wunkirle, an oversized, wooden spoon featuring a strong female carving as the handle.
Many remarkable female representations also hail from Latin America. I am especially proud to present an exquisite group of Tlatilco female figurines from the central highlands of Pre Columbian Mexico. They are charming bare breasted, wide hipped, and smiling ladies. This Tlatilco site yielded almost in its entirety small pottery female figurines or Pretty Ladies, as they have become known. Additionally, I am pleased to exhibit four excellent examples of red painted Early Chupicuaro females from a New York Collection. These bold geometric figures yield from West Mexico and exemplify the characteristic style of the culture. Tribute must be paid to Ecuador, where the Valdivian Venuses are the earliest form of human representation in the Americas, long before the Chavin in Peru or the Olmec in Mexico.
This exhibition contains an exciting collection of ceramic, stone, wood and bronze females ranging from the early Indus Valley to African tribal carvings and ceramic figurines from the Americas, spanning over five millennia of history. It was a joy to produce this catalog, which not only is a display of a variety of affordable sculptures of the female as she is proudly represented, but a heartfelt tribute to the timeless Feminine Divine. Today, her context should be in your collection.
1. Amlash Steatopygous Terracotta Stylized Goddess with wide hips, Northern Iran, Protohistoric Period, Early 1st Millennium BC. 6-3/8 in (16cm)H. Ex Israel Collector. $1900
2. Amlash Steatopygous Terracotta Stylized Goddess with duck bill head, Iran, Ca. 1st Millennium BC.
6-3/8 (16.5cm) in H. Ex Israel Collector. $1700
3. Amlash Steatopygous Terracotta Stylized Goddess with wide hips, Northern Iran, Early 1st Millennium BC. 5-7/8 in (14.5cm) H. Ex Harvard University Art Museum. $1100
4. Mesopotamian Pottery Goddess Astarte, hands to chest, hair in rows, Ca. 2nd Millennium BC. 5 in H.$2200
5. Mesopotamian Pottery Goddess Astarte, hands clasp to chest, Ca. 2nd Millennium BC.Mold made female, standing with wide hips and hands to under breasts, a fertility symbol. Remains of original slip pigment to surface. 3-1/4 in H. repaired. Custom mounted. $900
6. Chandraketugarh Pottery Goddess Bowl, Indus Valley, Ca. 3rd Century BC/AD. Delicate buff clay vessel decorated in relief on front with a procession of standing Goddesses. Each figure with nicely formed breasts, bodies, drapery and head dresses. They stand interacting with each other and hold staffs and tree branches. Another rhythmic flowing floral devices above and below to finish the vessel. For a high status individual. 4-1/2 in H. x 4-1/4 in W. Very nice and rare in excellent intact condition. $6,750
7. Mesopotamian Pottery Plaque of the Goddess Astarte,Press molded plaque with the female standing, possibly the goddess Astarte, in relief, holding her breasts, a gesture for fertility. She has her hair in careful rows and wears a long flowing gown. 5-1/8 in H. + custom mount. Repairs at center and knees. Provenance: Ex Harvey Merrill Collection, San Francisco, CA. Ca. 1st Millennium BC. 5-1/8 in (12.8cm) H. $595
8. Mehrgarh Pottery Bust of a Goddess, Indus Valley, Ca. 2600 to 2500 BC. 3-3/8 in (6.8cm)L. Ex NY Doctors Collection. $495
9. Mehrgarh Enthroned Pottery Mother Goddess, Indus Valley, Ca. 2600 to 2500 BC. Delicate buff clay effigy goddess; she sits with bird face features, large full breasts, necklace, and ornate hair with fillet appliques. For a high status individual. 3-7/8 in L. (9.65 cm) + mount. Missing below ankles. Ex NY Doctor’s Collection. $850
10. Persian Bronze Kohl Vessel in the form of a nude standing female, possibly a goddess, very fine facial features. Iran, Ca. 1800 BC. 5-1/2 in (14cm)H. Ex US Collection. $2750
11. Important Ancient Mathura Grey Black Terracotta Goddess, Northern India, Ca. 200 BC. Impressive standing goddess in elaborate skirt and headdress fashioned from applied circular appliques, large full breasts and necklace, and fine facial features. For a high status individual. 10-1/4 in (26cm)H. Intact (arms repaired)+ custom mount. Extremely rare. Cp. P. Pal, Indian Sculpture, Vol I, for the type. Another comparison. This is perhaps the best example of this type available on the market today. SOLD

12. Egyptian Large Faience Plaque with the Goddess Isis, IIIrd Intermediate Period, Ca. 1070 to 656 BC. The goddess, enthroned in profile with ankh in her hand on her lap. She has a disc, plumes and horn crown headdess atop her head. 4-1/2 in. (11.25cm) Condition: Intact. Choice. Ex New Jersey Collection. $2650
13. Beautiful Egyptian Bronze Striding Lioness Headed Sekhmet, Goddess of war and passion, Late Period, Ca. 715 to 30 BC. A sexy cast of a long legged striding female lioness headed goddess with sheer dress and well defined female form. Headdress with disc and uraeus, one hand at her side other missing. Nice strong nose and incised mane. Aged and varied patina and remains of gilding. Size: 8-1/4 in (20cm) H. + mount. Ex New Jersey Collection. $7500
14.  Beautiful Egyptian Polychrome Wood Inner Sarcophagus Painted Panel of Isis, Third Intermediate Period, Ca. 700 to 675 BC. The long back board of the Sarcophagus, the inner panel well decorated in white ground with black, red and yellow pigment very well preserved. Depicted is the Goddess for protection in the afterlife, Isis with disc headdress, wearing a sheer garment with anklets, necklace, arm bands and bracelets, she stands in profile, with her left breast exposed. Her hands in a protective gesture with long fingers over above lotus blossoms, 54"H. Cf. Mummies & Magic, NFA Boston, 1998, no. 125b, for parallel. Cf. Mummies & Magic, NFA Boston, 1998, no. 125b, for parallel. No restoration. Ex Private Collection US. SOLD

15.  Egyptian Dark Stone Carved Concubine, Middle Kingdom, Ca. 2133 to 1797 BC. A figure of a naked female, her hands held to her sides, wearing a Hathor wig with four loose locks at the back. 3¾in. (9.5cm.) high + custom mount. Ex Hugh Stanley Russell Collection, England, acquired ca. 1950s. $1595

16.  Egyptian Bronzes Seated Goddess Maat, Late Period, Ca. 1550 to 332 BC. The goddess crouching with hands to knees and bag headdress and with tang for attachment on the underside. 2in. (5cm.)+ custom mount. Ex Hugh Stanley Russell Collection, England, acquired ca. 1950s. $795

17.  Egyptian Bronze Profile Goddess Plaque, Late Period, Ca. 1069 to 702 BC. A seated deity in profile holding twin crooks surmounting a lotus flower. Size 2-3/8in. (6.2cm.) high, mounted, a pencil inscription on the underside of the base. Ex Hugh Stanley Russell Collection, England, acquired ca. 1950s. $850

18. Attic Black Figure Belly Amphora with the Goddess Nike, 
 Ca. 540 to 530 BC. A deep bodied vessel with twin handles and ring base. The central panel has similar scene on either side: three figures nicely painted; a figure of the Goddess Nike between two males. A band with hearts above main panel. 10-1/8 in H. Ex C.A. Geneva, Switzerland Collection. Rare. Read about the Ancient Olympic Games here. Choice example. Oxford Thermoluminescence test + positive for 2000 years old. $11,500
19. Apulian Red-Figure Pottery Squat Lekythos, decorated in added white pigment with a female Lady of Fashion head in profile wearing earings, her hair in a headdress. South Italy, Ca. 4th Century BC. 3½ in. (8.5cm)H. $895

20. Apulian Red-Figure Pottery Plate decorated with a female head in profile. South Italy, Ca. 350 BC. 5in (12.5cm)D. $795

21. Apulian Red-Figure Pottery Mug with Heraklese knot handle; decorated with a female head in profile. South Italy, Ca. 4th Century BC. 3-3/4 in (10cm)H. Ex German Collection. 
SOLD
22. Apulian Red Figure Bell Krater attributed to the A.V. Group, Ca. 350 BC. Inverted bell shape vessel on disc foot, decorated on one side with a chiton-clad lady in motion to right and looking back over her shoulder at a wreath held in her right hand, a box in her left hand, the head of a woman facing left on the reverse. 7-1/8”(17.8cm)H. Ex. Michigan private collection, originally purchased Sotheby's Parke Bernet, New York, May 19th, 1979, no. 162, illus. Excellent condition. A lovely vessel. $3300

23. Attic Red-Figure Lekythos in the Manner of The Bowdin Painter, Ca. 5th Century BC. Painted in the manner of the Bowdin Painter, showing a female figure wearing a chiton and himation and holding a large thyrsus in her left hand, her right arm extended above a small altar, with a band of meander above and below, linked palmettes on the shoulder, 10-5/8in. (27cm.) high. Ex European Collection.
 SOLD

24. Paestan Red-Figure Bell Krater One side decorated with a satyr, nude but for his boots, bending forward and moving to the left, the other side with a profile female head, wearing a sakkos, each side framed by tendrils, palmettes below the handles, meander and saltire squares below the scenes, laurel below the rim. 6¼ in. (15.9 cm.) H. Private Collection, Lugano. Published 1000 Years of Greek Vases, Royal Athena Galleries. Ex John Kluge’s Morven Collection. $3500
#24 obverse side.
25. Greek Terracotta Standing Goddess, holding ritual implements and wearing pink painted headdress, Boeation, Early Classical Period, Ca. 5th Century BC. Buff terracotta statuette of a woman, possibly a Goddess, shown wearing a peplos with overfall, standing on an integral raised base, holding a branch and a phiale in her right hand, the elaborate coiffure decorated with a wreath. 12 in. (30cm.) H. Cf R. Higgins, Tanagra and the Figurine, page 121. Ex London Collection. $2200

26. Greek Tanagra Terracotta Standing Draped Female Hellenistic, Ca. 3rd Century BC. A beautiful and graceful example, she strands with her left foot slightly advanced, wearing a himation over her chiton, holding the folds together at her right breast, her hair dressed in the 'melon' style and decorated with a leafy garland, traces of the original white slip remaining. 8in. H. (20.2cm.) repaired across the neck else intact. Ex Bonhams London.  SOLD

27. Greek Sheet Gold & Garnet Appliqué depicting the head of the Goddess Medusa, Hellenistic, Ca. 3rd to 2nd Century BC. 2-1/4 in (5.6cm) diam. across danglers. $1400

28. Roman Agate Cameo Engraved with the bust of a woman in profile, Ca. 2nd to 3rd Century AD. 15/16 in (2.2cm) H. $1800

29. Roman Marble Female Head, Ca. 1st Century AD. A well executed serene female head, possibly a portrait, with hair deliberately upswept in a Herakeles knot atop her head and tied behind at the nape of her neck. This hair style and the shape of the face resemble the Capitoline Aphrodite of the Graeco- Roman period. Further, her exquisite head is reminiscent of the famous Praxiteles style and sculptural technique. The ears are also drilled in the same manner as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Head of A Women from a Funeral Monument. 10-1/2 in (26cm)H. Ex New York Collection. 
SOLD
30. Roman Marble Venus Gentrix, Provincial Roman, Ca. 1st to 2nd Century AD. She stands with Eros by her side, loose drapery falling from left shoulder. 13-1/4 in (33.2cm) H. Ex New York Collection. $6800
Pre Columbian Art of Mexico
31. Chupicuaro Pottery Polychrome Painted Standing Female, Pre Classic Mexico, Ca. 500 BC to 1 AD. Fine Chupicuaro Pottery Female, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. Lovely hollow burnished clay standing female with wide hips and belly, hands to sides. Overall red, cream and black painted pigment, careful mask-like step pattern design to face and body. 7in (17.8 cm)H. Intact Ex NY Private Collection, acquired approx 20 years ago. photos SOLD

32. Chupicuaro Pottery Standing Female, Mexico, Ca. 500 BC to 1 AD. 9-3/4 in (24.7 cm)H. Ex NY Collection. 
SOLD
33. Superb Chupicuaro Pottery Standing Female, Mexico, Ca. 500 BC to 1 AD. Hollow burnished clay standing female with wide hips and belly, hands to sides and large head with high shoulders. Overall red, cream and black painted pigment, careful mask-like step pattern design to face and body. The hips in a cream slip painted over in brown intricate designs. 9in (22.8 cm)H. Intact Ex NY Private Collection, acquired approx 20 years ago. SOLD
34. Chupicuaro Pottery Standing Female, Mexico, Ca. 500 BC to 1 AD. Lovely standing nude female with red, cream and black painted pigment striped on body and head. 5-1/4 in H. Ex Canadian Collection, ‘DMM’. SOLD

35. Chupicuaro Pottery Pretty Lady, Pre Classic Mexico, Ca. 500 to 300 BC. 4-3/8in (11.cm)H. Compare similar example in Little People of the Earth, Ceramic Figures from Ancient America Denver Art Museum, 1991, no. 29. $1100

36. Chupicuaro H-4 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 500 to 300 BC. 4 in (10cm)H. Compare similar examples in Man Eaters and Pretty Ladies, Early art in Central Mexico from the Gulf to the Pacific, 1500 BC to 500 AD; Montreal Museum of Art.$435

37. Chupicuaro Pottery Seated Pretty Lady, Ca. 500 to 300 BC. Molded slant eyed female with centrally parted hair and remains of applied red and white pigment. 2-3/8 in (5.9cm)H.
 $300

38. Chupicuaro H-4 Type Nude Standing and Painted Pretty Lady, Ca. 500 to 300 BC. 3in (7.5cm)H. Ex NY Collection.$415

39. Chupicuaro Guanajuato Type Nude Painted Miniature Pretty Lady, Mexico, Ca. 500 to 300 BC 2in (5cm)H. $395
40. Tlatilco Pottery D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Middle Preclassic, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. Central Highlands, Mexico. 4-1/4in (10.6cm)H. Ex Guy Wilcox Collection. Compare similar example in The Jaguar's Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico. by Michael Coe, Museum of Primitive Art, NY. 1965. $1200

41. Tlatilco Pottery D-4 Type Pretty Lady with fillet hairdo, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 3 1/2in (8.9 cm)H.Ex Dr. M. Silverman Collection. $895
 
42. Tlatilco Pottery D-4 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 4-1/8in (10.5cm)H. Ex Israeli Collection. $1800

43. Tlatilco Pottery D-4 Pretty Lady, Middle Preclassic Mexico, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 2-1/2 in (6.2cm) H.Ex Collection of Drs. Mimi and Milton Levin, N.J. Ex. Sotheby's NY, March 3, 1978, lot 70. $550

44. Tlatilco Pottery Seated D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 B.C. 2-3/4 in (6.8cm)H. Ex New York Collection. $1650

45. Tlatilco Pottery Seated D-1 Type Pretty Lady Vessel, Ca. 1200 to 500 B.C. 2-3/4 in (6.8cm)H. Ex Haski Collection NY. $2100

46. Tlatilco Pottery D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 B.C. 4-5/8 in (11.5cm)H. Ex NY Collection. $795
47. Chupicuaro Pottery Rattle Figure, Pre Classic Mexico, Ca. 500 to 300 BC. Sweet nude female figurine with applied nipples, slanted eyes, necklace, small ear spools and hair in a headband. Buff clay with remains of red and white pigment. Size: 3-3/4" (9.5cm) H. Provenance: Ex Alan L. Long Collection. Rare to have a rattle from this culture. some loss to toes and a chip to the arm else a nice example. $495
48. Tlatilco Pottery D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 4-1/8in (10.3cm)H. Ex NY. Collection. $685
49. Fine Tlatilco Pottery D-2 Female, Middle Pre Classic Period, Ca. 800 to 300 BC. A beautiful stylized standing female with hands to sides and fine facial features. Remains of original ochre and red pigment. 4-3/8” (11cm)H. Choice. Ex Distinguished Old Collection. $695

50. Tlatilco Pottery D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 4-1/4in (10.6cm)H. Ex Canadian Collection. DMM. $1250

51. Pre Classic Tlatilco Pottery D1 Type Female, Middle Pre Classic Period, Ca. 800 to 300 BC. Mexico. Standing with truncated arms (Type-D1), wide hips and a belt around waist. H. 4-1/4" + custom mount. Unique example. Compare similar example in The Jaguar's Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico. by Coe, Michael D. NY: Museum of Primitive Art, 1965. Ex Sam Dubiner, Tel Aviv, Israel Collection. $795

52. Tlatilco Miniature Pottery D-4 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 2-1/2(6.3cm)H. Ex New York Collection. $425

53. Tlatilco Pottery D-1 Type Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 3 in (7.5cm) H. Ex New York Collection. $475

54. Tlatilco Miniature Pottery D-1 Type Miniature Pretty Lady, Ca. 1200 to 500 BC. 2-1/4 in (5.6cm)H. Ex US Collection. $425

55. Colima Autlan Seated Female Effigy Figure, Tuxcacuesco Ortizes Style, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. 2-1/4in (5.6cm)H. $895

56. Colima Autlan Standing Feamle Effigy Figure, Tuxcacuesco Ortizes Style, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. 3in (7.5cm)H. $925
 
57. Chinesca Seated Polychrome Female with arms to knees, Nayarit, West Mexico, Ca. 300 BC to 200 AD. 6-1/2in (16.25cm) H. $3250

58. Chinesca Seated Polychrome Female, Nayarit, West Mexico, Ca. 300 BC to 200 AD. Lovely polychrome painted clay figure molded with legs apart, wide hips and hands to hips. Decorated with red painted legs and necklace. Torso and head in a cream pigment with remains of banding design on chest. A sweet piece. Ex Texas Coll. 6-1/2in (16.25cm) H. $1250

59. Olmec Pottery Female Figure, Las Bocas Mexico, Ca. 1100 to 5-3/8 in (13.4cm) H. Excellent condition and modeling to this beatiful and rare example. Ex NY Collection. $2000
60. Colima Standing Female Figure, West Mexico, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. 6-3/4in (17.1cm) H.Ex Collection Hans Taschl. $350
61. Colima Standing Effigy Figure, West Mexico, Ca. 200 BC to 200 AD. Buff clay effigy figure with fine facial features and adorned with headdress, necklace and incised sashes. 5-3/4 in (14cm)H. + Custom mounted. Repair at waist and with good deposits. Ex Collection Hans Taschl. $450

62. Colima Standing Effigy Female Figure, West Mexico, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. 6in (15.2cm) H. Ex NY Collection. 
SOLD

63. Colima Standing Effigy Female Figure,
 West Mexico, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. 4-3/4 in (11.8cm)H. Ex NY Collection. $400
64. Colima Standing Effigy Female Figure, West Mexico, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD. Buff clay effigy figure standing nude with one hand to face. She has fine facial features and is adorned with headdress and ear spools. 3-1/4in H. + Custom mounted. Good deposits. Ex Collection Hans Taschl. $265
65. Chinesca Type E White Painted Kneeling Female, Protoclassic, Ca. 100 BC to 300 AD. 10-3/4 in (27.3cm)H. Compare Out of Depths, no 14 for the type. Ex New York Collection. $8500
66. Jalisco Ameca White Painted Seated Female, Protoclassic Period, Ca. 100 BC. to 250 AD. The female form with one outstretched arm, the other extending to her head, wearing bracelets and ear and nose rings, traces of orange-red details over kaolin white. 13 in.(33cm) H. Restoration to dress. Very fine example. Ex Massachusetts Collection. $1750
67. Nayarit Seated Female Mexico, Ixtlan Del Rio Style, Protoclassic, Ca. 100 BC to 300 AD. The female sits with legs underneath, one hand against ribs, the other holding a small bowl. She wears long robe, small cap, large nose ring, and round ear discs. Facial features include oval eyes, prominent nose, and open mouth. There is a round opening atop head. White painted details are still present on body. Intact excellent condition. 10-1/2 in. (26.3cm)H. Ex Collection New York. $1650
68. Zapotec Seated Figural Urn of the Goddess, 13 Serpent, Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico, Epochs II and IIIa, Ca. 100 to 200 AD. Lovely grayware figural depiction with arms crossed on chest. Nicely detailed face with incised features and large ear spools, spherical ball necklace highlighted in cinnabar, the goddess crown headdress braided and studded with ritual balls and large glyph-like badge on center. Atop head is the vessel chamber. Chamber repaired else excellent condition. 6-1/2 in. (16.2cm)H. Cp Boos, ‘The Ceramic Sculpture of Ancient Oaxaca’ for Urns of this category. SOLD
 
69. Mixtex Stone Goddess of Flowers, Postclassic Mexico, Ca 14th Century AD. Schematic carved standing female decorated with floral headdress and ear flares, she has her arms to her chest and banded incised necklace. Deeply drilled wide eyes. 7 in H. + custom mount. Intact with surface deposits. Impressive. SOLD
Pre Columbian Ecuador
70. Valdivian Stone Abstract Female Figure, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, Ca. 2500 to 2000 BC. Impressive Valdavian Stone Female Figure, Earliest Horizon, Ca. 2300 to 2000 BC. Ecuador, a carved abstract form in light green stone the body mildly suggested with an incision at crotch but with two large protruding breasts. The face with complex lines incised. Very fine style. 9-3/4”(24.7cm)H + custom mount. Repaired. Cf a similar figure in Masters of the Americas, In Praise of the Pre-Columbian Artists, The Dora and Paul Janssen Collection. Page 174. Very rare and choice. This is a unique type, somewhat new to the marketplace. SOLD
71. Valdivian/Chorrera Carved Stone Crouching Female Figure, possibly a Birthing Scene, Ca. 2000 to 1000 BC. A carved greenish-grey sedimentary stone slab of very unique style and form. The carving is of a nude female in a birthing position. The iconography is similar to that found on Moche pottery. Pierced horizontal, possibly for suspension in a collar. Ample age deposits. Chip on top corner. This is an exciting find as it represents a transition of sorts from Early Horizons in Ecuador to Peru! Intact, rare and choice. 4 in (10cm)H. $695
72. Valdivian Stone Abstract Female Figure, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, Ca. 2500 to 2000 BC. Ecuador, a carved abstract form in ight green stone the body mildly suggested with an incision at crotch but with two large protruding breasts. The face with complex lines incised. Very fine style. 5-5/8 in (14.5cm)H + custom mount. Intact. SOLD
73. Valdivian Terracotta Venus, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, Ca. 2500 to 2000 BC. From the culture who produces the earliest human figural form in the new world. She is a beautiful and carefully formed female with a deeply burnished red surface, fine facial features carefully parted incised. Size:5-5/8" (14.2cm)H. + custom mount. Very rare. Provenance: Ex NY city collector. SOLD
74. Valdivian Terracotta Double Headed Venus, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, Ca. 2500 to 2000 BC. This effigy illustrated the rare concept of dualism, prevalent in Pre Columbian art.. 4 in (10cm)H. Ex New Jersey Collection. Extremely rare. $1500
75. Valdivian Terracotta Female Venus, Ecuador, Phase III, Ca. 2300 to 2000 BC. Burnished red and brown clay goddess figure with incised hair, facial details and hands held to chest. 3-1/4 in (8.2cm)H. $395
76. Machililla Stylized Standing Female Figure, Ecuador, Ca. 2000 to 1000 BC. Magnificent specimen of one of the first hollow molded human forms. Strong disproportion between head and body yield a form of high artistic merit. Overall tan painted and highlighted with red pigment. Pierced chin, ears and shoulders. Vessel spout atop. 7-7/8 in (19cm) H. Ex New York Collection. Compare Amerindian Signs, 5000 Years of Pre-Columbian Art in Ecuador by Valdez for an almost identical examples no. 16. SOLD
77. Chorrera Painted Pottery Female White Angel, Ecuador Ca. 800 to 500 BC. Hollow molded pottery red and white slip painted and burnished figure with headdress, standing with hands at sides. Beautifully rendered face with ears and voluminous rounded helmet. 16in (40cm)H. Cp. A. Lapiner, Pre Columbian Art of South America, 1976, Abrams for similar examples. SOLD
78. Chorrera Female Figure, Ca. 800 to 500 BC. Fine solid molded pottery tan slip painted and red burnished figure with incised work on body. Beautifully rendered face with ear spools, headdress and a mask in black pigment for highlight. She stands with hands at sides and feet with toes delineated. 6-1/ 4in (15.6cm)H. SOLD
79. Chorrera Terracotta Standing Female Figure with swirl headdress, Ca. 800 to 500 BC. Hollow molded pottery tan slip painted and burnished figure with incised work on body, standing with hands at sides. Beautifully rendered face with ear spools and headdress. A fine example. Cp. A. Lapiner, Pre Columbian Art of South America, 1976, Abrams no. 722 for a similar example. 5-3/8 in (13.4cm)H. SOLD
80. Guanguala Terracotta Female Beautifully Painted Ocarina Figure, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of a standing female with arms out at sides and with traces red pigment highlights over burnished tan surface. She wears a smooth bag with blue highlights. A whistle atop head and with vent holes behind. 11-1/2 inches (29 cm) H. + custom mount. Good Condition and makes a pleasing tuned whistle sound when blown at top but repairs to body and one toe needs restoration (as viewed). Ex. Upper West Side NY A. Long Collection. $1295
81. Large Abstract Guanguala Standing Ocerina Figure, Ecuador Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of a standing figure with abstract curvilinear form, hollow, with deeply cut arms and legs, tapered waist, large tapered cone-shape headdress with blow hole atop. Nice broad shoulders. Nice facial features, pierced nose and ears. Beautiful handeling of the incised and painted burnished surface with textile designs. A whistle atop head and with vent holes behind. 17-1/2 inches (64.6 cm) H. + custom mount. Good Condition and makes a pleasing tuned whistle sound when blown at top but repairs to body, and some restoration. Additional close-up photos. Superb!! SOLD

82. Guanguala Terracotta Mother Holding a Child Ocarina Figure, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of a standing female with her infant held between her breasts. Very unusual iconography and beautiful handeling of the incised and painted burnished surface with textile designs. A whistle atop head and with vent holes behind. 13-5/8 inches (64.6 cm) H. + custom mount. A tender effigy. SOLD

83. Jamacoaque Terracotta Female Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. with lovely polychrome painted details. 8-1/4in(20.9cm.) H. $625
84. Fine Jamacoaque Painted and Burnished Female figure, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. A really beautiful example of molded standing female with arms out at sides and with traces of blue pigment remaining. She wears a smooth bag wig and tunic, long neck cord, and ear and nose rings. Her face is lovely with strong almond eyes, nose with ornament and teeth slightly bared. Very fine example in excellent condition. 10-5/8"(27cm) H. + custom mount. Ex NY Private Collection. $2250

85. Jamacoaque Burnished Votive Female with painted details, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. A good example of molded hollow figure standing with arms out at sides and with traces of blue pigment remaining, nice dark burnished surface. She wears a smooth bag wig with two protrusions atop and tunic, necklace, and ear spools. Her face is lovely with strong almond eyes and mouth slightly open. 8" (20.3cm) H. + custom mount. NY collection. SOLD

86. Bahia Pottery Polychrome painted female, ample polychrome remains. Ecuador, Ca. 300 to 500 AD. Abstracted standing colorful female with hands held to sided, nude with pendulous breasts, nose clip, necklace and ear ornaments. Yellow and red painted surface pigments remain. Ex New York Collection. A sweet intact effigy. 6-1/4in (15.6cm) H. SOLD
87. Fine Jamacoaque Painted Female Effigy with high openworked headdress, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of a molded standing votive female with arms out at sides and with traces of blue, yellow, and white pigment remaining. She wears a fantastic sprawlling two part superstructure adorned headdress and tunic, long necklace with delineated pendants, and ear and nose rings. Her face is lovely with strong almond eyes, nose with ornament. Very fine example. 14-3/8" (36.5cm)H.+ custom mount. NY Collection. SOLD

88. 
 Large Jamacoaque Female Figure, Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of standing woman with arms extended at her sides. Surface is painted with red, yellow, white and blue pigment, much original remaining. She wears a bag feather textured headdress and tunic, nude upper torso. Her face is lovely with strong almond eyes, nose with ornament and teeth slightly bared. Her arms are decorated with incised patterns, possibly to represent tattoos. Very fine example. 17"(43cm)H. + custom mount. (To be made) Cp. Pre-Columbian Art of South America by Alan Lapiner and Amerindian Signs, 5000 Years of Pre-Columbian Art in Ecuador by Valdez for similar examples of this type. Additional views Close up photos SOLD

89. Fine Jamacoaque Female Effigy, Ca. 500 AD. A beautiful example of molded standing with arms out at sides and with traces of blue and white pigment remaining. She wears a smooth bag wig and tunic with feathers, thich necklace, and ear and nose ornaments. Her face is lovely with strong almond eyes and nice mouth. Nice example. 11-3/4"H. 
SOLD

90. Jamacoaque Pottery Mother and Child, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. 5 in (12.5cm)H. $525

91. Jamacoaque Pottery Seated Female, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. 5-1/4 in (13.3cm)H. Ex New York Collection. $475

92. Jamacoaque Pottery Seated Figure Holding Casket, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. 5-3/8in (13.6 cm)H. $550

93. Jamacoaque Pottery Mother and Child, Ecuador, Ca. 500 AD. 5 in (12.9cm) H. $525
94. Venezuelan Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 1000 to 1500 AD. 2in (5.1cm) H. $295
95. Venezuelan Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 800 to 1500 AD. 2-1/8 in (5.6cm)H. $195
96. Venezuelan Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 800 to 1500 AD. 2-3/8 in (6cm)H. SOLD
97. Venezuelan Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 1000 to 1500 AD. 2 in (5cm)H. $285
98. Venezuelan Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 1000 to 1500 AD. 1-7/8 in (4.5cm)H.$250
99. Chavin Seated Female Figural Vessel with bowl atop her head, North Coast Peru, Tembladera, Ca. 700 to 400 BC. 8-1/2 in(21cm) H. $2800
100. Nazca Polychrome Pottery Vessel in the Form of a Female, Peru, South Coast, Ca. 400 AD. Polychrome pottery, bridge-spouted vessel depicting a classic Nazca 'Pretty Lady" having a bulbous body, hands held on her stomach. Wearing a cream color cape decorated with three stylized floral faces. Strong facial features. Mineral deposits on surface. Intact, excellent condition. 3-3/4in (9.3cm)H. Ex. Jean-Eugene Lions Collection, Switzerland. $1450
101. Nazca Polychrome Painted Pottery Female, Ca. 400 AD. Lavish decorative scheme to entire body. 2-3/4 in (6.8cm) H. Ex California Collection. $1650
102. Nazca Miniature Polychrome Painted Pottery Female Figure, Ca. 400 AD. A polychromed, solid pottery standing female figure having a nicely painted face with multiple hair locks extending over her shoulders and two small stars painted on stomach. 2-5/8in (6.5cm)H. Ex. Jean-Eugene Lions collection, Geneva, Switzerland. $750
103. Ica Pottery Female Fertility Tri Color Doll, South Coast, Ca. 900 to 1100 AD. The stylized figure with short arms held to body, incised triangle on lower torso, headdress and pierced ears; in cream painted pigment with facial designs in red and brown. 6-1/2in (16.5 cm)H. + custom mount. Intact & choice. Ex Coll. Oakton VA, Acquired late 1960s. sold
104. Ica Pottery Female Fertility Tri Color Doll, South Coast, Ca. 900 to 1100 AD. The fine stylized figure with short arms held to body, incised triangle for lower torso, face with red and brown polychrome pigment finely rendered, ear spools; Most of the body in cream painted pigment, 7-1/4in (16.8 cm)H. sold
105. Ica Pottery Female Figure, Peru, South Coast, Ca. 900 AD. A fine stylized fertility figure with short arms held to body, incised triangle for lower torso, toes incised, headdress and pierced ears; in cream painted pigment, thick with deposits. 6-5/8in (16.8 cm)H. + custom mount Intact & choice. Ex Coll. Oakton VA, Acquired late 1960s. SOLD
106. Ica Cincha Pottery Tri-Color Female Fertility Doll, Ca. 900 to 1100 AD. 5-1/4in (13.4cm)H. $345
107. Chancay Large Standing Bi-Chrome Female Cuchimilco, North Coast Peru, Ca. 1100 to 1400 AD. 21-1/4 in (53.1cm)H. SOLD
108. Inca Solid Silver Female Figure, Ca. 1470 to 1532 AD. Cast with hands held to chest and with striated coiffure and lovely facial features. 2 in (5cm)H. Ex Collection Marcel Ebnother, Schaffhausen, Switzerland. SOLD
Medieval Indian & Asian Art
109. Pala Stone Mothergoddess Stele of Durga, North India, Ca. 9th to 10th Century AD. She sits enthroned with multi-arms holding attributes, her leg rests on a small curled lion at her feet. A carved stone image of the principle as creative energy, seated in lalitasana on a cushion; the base carved with a curled lion and an adorant at the front, her four hands holding the specific attributes, trident, shield, wearing sari, bejewelled, her face with almond-shaped eyes, elongated earlobes with ear rings, hair combed in a chignon and set with a tiara at the front, the shaped arched backslab with a pair of Devatas at the upper register. Size 34 in. (86 cm) H. Large, lovely and impressive in person. Ex European Collection. Additional photos. $9500
110. Khmer Bronze Standing Image of the Goddess Uma, Cambodia, Ca. 12th Century AD. Lovely slender torso, nude with full exposed breasts; bejeweled with necklace, armlets; wearing an elaborate dhoti decorated with a vertical plaiting and frontal sash in relief and she gracefully holds an object in left hand. 8-3/4 in (21.87cm)H. + custom mount. Deep green patina. Comes with certification of authenication metal analysis from Brussels Art Laboratory, P.H. Laycock. Ex Dutch Collection. Superb. $8500
111. Tibetan Gilt Bronze Seated Image of the Goddess Tara, Ca. 16th to 17th Century AD. 8-1/2 in (21.2cm)H. Cp. Von Schroeder, 2001, 260B-C, p. 1041. $8700
112. Goanese Ivory Figure of Madonna, India, Ca. 18th to 19th Century AD. The Madonna stands on a crescent moon, indicating her role as queen of heaven. 6-3/4 in (16.8cm)H. Inscribed 1863 with initials behind. Nice patina. SOLD
113. Chinese Ivory Nude Reclining Doctor’s Lady, China, 19th Century AD. 5-3/4 in L. (14.6 cm)L. The Doctor’s lady was used by traditional Chinese male physicians to allow a female patient to modestly indicate the location of her discomfort, without showing or pointing to her own body. Ex Irwin Hersey Collection, NY. SOLD

114. Nepalese Wood Female Yakshi, Ca. 18th Century AD. Ca. 18th Century AD. Portraying a standing female deity reaching up to touch a branch of a tree, to make it flower, attendants serving her to her right. 9¾in. (23.5cm) H. Benjamin Rowland writes: “One of the most frequent motifs of the Bharhut railing is the dohada, a woman or Yakshi embracing a tree, usually a flowering sal. This is symbolism that goes back to a period in Indian history when trees were regarded as objects of worship, and is associated with old fertility festivals, when youths and maidens gathered the flowers of the sal tree. In Indian mythology, the yakshi is first and foremost a fertility symbol. She is not only the bride of the tree, but she stands for the sap of the tree, the life-fluid, and she may therefore by association be interpreted as emblematic of the life-fluid of all creation, as typified by the great waters, in which all life was believed to have its origin. The male counterparts of the yakshis, or yakshas, are also represented on the Bharhut railing, and Kuvera, chief of the yakshas and guardian of the north, is among the deities precisely identified by an inscription.” (The Art and Architecture of India; Pelican History of Art; page 80-82) $950
African Tribal Art
115. African Fang Female Reliquary Figure, Gabon, Nzaman-Betsi, Female representations are rare in reliquaries and she evokes beauty and power, standing on wedge-shaped feet with muscular legs bent, her elongated torso with protruding navel, she has high conical breasts, thick neck with an old bone fetish necklace supporting the head which has a delicate heart-shaped facial plane and domed forehead and wears a backswept coiffure. 14-1/2 in (36.2cm)H. Ex David Young Collection. Collected before 1965. Ex David Young Collection. Collected before 1965. $14,500
116. Luba Carved Wood Nude Female Figure, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, She is rendered with fine tribal scarification on body, her hands held to breasts, beautiful symmetrical facial features and coiffure, she exhibits Tabwa influences. 18-3/4in (46.8cm)H. Nice nut brown patina. Ex. Belgian Collection. $6500
117. Akan Wood Carved Female Fertility Doll, West Africa, Ghana Region, Well carved with naturalistic body features and wide round flat head. Akuaba (akua'ba) figures or fertility dolls educate young girls about the lessons of motherhood. An akan figure can bring fertility to a woman hoping to have a child. It can also help to ensure a safe delivery and a physically beautiful child. The form of the figure illustrates the ideal of beauty placing emphasis on the head, the place that evokes the greatest beauty. Good nut brown patina. 27 in (69cm)H. Ex David Young Canadian Collection. Collected around 1965. sold
118. Yoruba Wood Carved Ibeji Figure, Nigeria. A handsome female figure carved on circular base, standing with hands held to hips. She has an elaborate ridged coiffure, wears strands of beads around neck and waist and has fine facial details and long pendulous breasts. 13in (33cm)H. Nice dark patina. Ex David Young Collection Canada. $895
119. Mende Bundu Society Helmet Mask, Sierra Leone. 15 in (37.5cm)H. Only the members of the secret Sande women's society in Sierra Leone’s Mende tribe wore this rare mask. It is both unique and remarkable, for it is the only type of mask exclusively used by women in the entire African continent. It is meticulously carved with delicate facial features, voluminous folds on the neck, and an elaborately detailed coiffure. There are vision holes pierced in the eyes, and it has excellent patina and interior surface wear.. The mask represents the ideal of feminine beauty admired by the Mende; thus, it was believed to be aesthetically pleasing to their spirits. $1200
120. Yoruba Wood Divination Bowl, Agere, Ifa, with kneeling nude female caryatid holding bowl, Ivory Coast. 6in (15cm)H. The Yoruba divination system enabled diviners to invoke Orunmila, the Yoruba deity of wisdom, prophecy and ethics. Ifa divination rites provide an avenue of communication between the spirit world and that of the living. Ex New England Collection. Well executed. $1,450

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