This unique Olmec maskette is made from Guatemalan Imperial Green Jadeite and Imperial Blue Jadeite. It is an Omphacite/chloromelanite jade which "GemSelect" describes as the rarest and most valuable type of jade. Leoncio A. Garza-Valdes in the book "Precolumbian Jade" states "Omphacites are known as mesoamerican imperial jades". It probably contains inclusions of precious metals of silver, gold, and platinum. These metals can be seen in the pictures as spots or flecks...

This is an extremely rare, unique IMPORTANT Olmec quartz engraved plaque. I have only seen a handful of authentic Olmec quartz pieces in my 40 years of collecting. I have two others listed on this site. I have never seen another Olmec quartz plaque. This piece is highly transparent, water clear and dates 1200-600BC. It is made from a large rare thin 'Tabby' crystal with notches on the side. It is 3.75 inches square by 1/8"...

This extremely rare and stunning museum quality Olmec standing figure is made from beautiful Olmec blue true jadeite. It measures a whopping 8 3/8" long and 2 1/2" at the shoulders. The head is just shy of 3". It dates from 1200-600BC. It is the definition of Olmec classic with the elongated head and were-jaquar mouth. It has incising along the chest, left leg and left cheek. The back is quite unusual and rare in that the head shows the figure in transformation into an avian form...

This incredible Olmec standing figure is 5 1/4 inches high (13.5cm) and 2 inches wide (5cm). It is made from beautiful opaque Olmec blue jade. The right arm was broken off in ancient times. The figure is represented in the back as transforming into a bird, with the back of the head, ears, and upper strap muscles of the figure's back forming the image of the head, eyes, and beak. It has incised iconography on the front and back...

This is a frame of 100 Columbia river gem points. There are 31 agatized petrified wood points. There are also 2 extremely rare glass points, one clear and one purple. There are 77 G-10s and the others are 9s with a couple of 8s. True G-10s are 1 in 10,000 points. Also included are the 5 Columbia river gem points that are listed on this site for $10,000 including the only precious opal point from Oregon known to exist. All are translucent except 9 are jasper...

A large-size Native American pottery olla from Acoma pueblo, Zuni tribe, New Mexico. The pot is hand-coiled and shard fired and painted in red and black on white with encircling bands of stylized figures of deer and roadrunners. Circa 1910-1915. Size: 19.5 inches ht. x 16.5 inches in diameter. Very good condition with no chips, cracks or repairs. Name of the original owner written in light pencil on the inside of the rim. Rare to find an olla of this large a size and in such wonderful condition...

This incredible authentic Olmec true water blue translucent jadeite spoon, used to ingest hallucinogenic substances, is in the effigy of a jaguar tooth with an engraving showing the gum line...

This stunning pure gold necklace is from the El Bolo treasure, 200BC-200AD. It was found by treasure hunters who struck a deal with the Colombian government, the Bank of Colombia and the local peasants whereby the treasure was divided up. The Royal Family of Saudi Arabia purchased many of the pieces including full body suits. Artifacts from this treasure can be readily identified by the extreme purity of the gold which is 23K-24K. The Bank of Colombia among other items had 8 gold necklaces. Lat...

This is an extraordinarily rare and unique carved bone Mayan plaque. This masterpiece is the finest I have ever seen and very few exist. It is 4 1/2" X 2 1/2" X 1/8". It is from the Aapo Bolon Estate which was collected by the family while living in Guatemala from 1920-1980. I inspected the entire collection of over 1000 pieces and found nothing incorrect in any item. This was the finest piece in the offering. It is from the Post Classic Period as it is made from Bovine bone. It shows nice age...

This unique Mayan translucent jadeite tube pipe is simply astounding and extremely detailed. The earliest mesoamerican pipes were tube pipes and date back to 1500BC. The material being smoked was inserted into the mouth of the serpent and inhaled from the other side. It could have had a perishable stem such as bone or wood. It was probably worn as a pendant until smoked. This is a particularly unique interpretation and rendition of a coiled snake. The serpent coils at the back and ends with the ...

This is a spectacular IMPORTANT Olmec jade maskette pendant depicting a mythical transformational were-jaguar with very rare features. It has the face and mouth of the most famous Olmec artifact of all, the "Kunz Axe" which was the first artifact attributed to the Olmecs and found in 1890. The fangs and mouth on the Kunz axe are unique making this iconography an extremely rare piece. One expert theorized what at first appear to be whiskers on the upper lip in fact more closely resemble character...

This is a carved portrait of Christ in gem quality emerald from Colombia. It has been specific gravity tested. It originated from the Chivor mining area in Colombia which produced higher grade specimens than the Muzo or Coscuez areas. It dates to around the middle 1600's and shows no evidence of modern tool marks. It is 233.24 carats. It is 1 1/2" tall, 1/1/4" wide and 1" deep. The patina is beautiful. It is a fabulous hand or pocket piece. I don't know of another Christ carving in emerald. A Co...

Pre-Columbian Mayan Cylinder Vase – Honduras. Circa. - 600 – 900 A.D. Classic period. 7 1/2” x 7 ½. Displays Warriors and Nobles with fish faced glyphs encircling upper band. Repaired from approximately 9 pieces, root marks and numerous mineral deposits. Provenance: Hilton Collection, Santa Monica, Ca. Collected in the 1960s. Please Note: Color most accurate in Enlargement 1.

A Veracruz stone yoke circa 250-950 AD in characteristic U-form, the thick implement with polished surface except for the outside. A flat top, the sides tapering slightly downwards. The end of each arm is relief- carved with an ornate pattern of complementary bands and scrolling plumage-like motifs. Remains of a red pigment in a speckled grey-light green stone. Minor restoration. Length 15", width 14".On a presentation stand. Provenanace: Southwest College Auction, La Mesa, CA.

Mayan Decorated Cylinder. 10 ¼” x 4 1/4” Circa 600 A.D. – 900 A.D. A tall, polychrome decorated vase having a wide center band two large Moan birds, a sea shell. Upper band of well developed, painted glyphs. Wide lower band containing four large circlular elements. Repaired from several large original pieces. Some areas of root marks minor paint loss. Provenance: Ex. Prof. Hugo Munsterberg (1916 – 1995) Collection. Acquired from Andre Emmerich, 1974.

Pre-Columbian Chimu Goldball Necklace. Circa 1000 A.D. – 1200 A.D. 28” total lenght. 76 grams total weight. Composed of high karat gold beads including fourteen large, lentoid-ball beads, each interspersed with a medium size gold bead and sixty-four small gold beads. Several of the large beads have dents and evidence of crushing and small holes along the central soldering seam. Modernly strung, suitable for wearing. Provenance: Ex. Jean-Eugene Lions Collection, Geneva.

Willow rods, with basket weaving sunshade. 36" long, 13" wide at widest point. Estate of Lola Lawrence.

This extremely rare standing Olmec figure is 3" long and 1 1/2" wide at the shoulders. It is made from true jadeite that is semi-translucent at the right arm and shoulder. It is drilled in the back of the neck for suspension. It has a prominent navel. Please view my youtube video at http://youtu.be/8OFs-mik7ZI

A Teotihuacan stone figure made of a spinach colored green stone. A typical rigid body with squared-off shoulders, straight arms draped to the hips with incisions to denote fingers and toes, a flattened head marked by deep crescent in-cut eyes and mouth. It is drilled at the nose and through the earrings and wears a rectangular peaked cap. Measures 8" in height and on a presentation stand. Provenance: Leonard Kaplan Collection, Laguna Beach, CA.

Pre-Columbian, Very large, very striking female figure from Nayarit Mexico. 22" x 11" x 7". Fine detail throughout. Extensive mineral deposits. Provenance:Ronald Normandeau Collection, Laguna Beach, California.

Southern Cheyenne Rare Dispatch Case. Circa 1880-1890. Sinew sewn, yellow orchre pigment, tin cones suspensions, hide soft and supple. No apparent bead loss. The reverse hide, showing drawings of that were never finished, may have been recycled from an earlier southern plains piece. Measures 10 1/2" by 9 1/4" without suspensions; and 14" at the longest end suspensions.

Ancient Moche solid cast silver Tumi Sceptre c 300 AD with Warriors or high priest Lords. Fine sculpture and casting with inlaid stone eyes headdress ear flairs and shields. Xrf testing done for content appraised and authenticated by Lowell Collins with paperwork. The sceptre came from a 1960s Texas collection. Weight is 292g silver and is 9.5" long and 2 ' wide at the top.

Rare and extremely fine pair of Incan sheet silver and gold ceremonial deer cups . The hooves ears tails and antlers on the male are in nearly 17k gold . The female is made of 20 different pieces of sheet silver and gold soldered together and the male even more pieces. This set is believed to have been made by Chimu artisans for the new Inca rulers, from what experts have said this is the only known pair of this quality in silver. The buck has most of His original burial patina as does some area...

Pre-Columbian Teotihuacan Figure 12 ½ x 4 ½ x .05. Circa 600-700 A.D. Provenance: Sam Crockett collection, Cohutta, Ga.

DESCRIPTION: A fine Spanish Colonial carved wood figure (or santo) of the Christ Child. This devotional sculpture was sensitively and realistically carved with the Christ Child standing, looking slightly downward with his right hand raised and wearing a draping red robe tied at the waist. Images such as these were created as objects of devotion, playing a significant role in introducing and educating indigenous peoples in the Americas to the Roman Catholic Church, which itself was an integral ...

This is a very rare trans Paleo to early Archaic point dating to 10,500-9000 B.P. This is a large size arrow point that has long tip to base convex turning parallel sided blade edges that transition into drooping basal auricles. The basal edge is concave and the haft is ground. It has classic oblique transverse flaking and nice naturally aged patina with good sorbed deposits, hinge staining and authentic accumulations visible. It is made from a dark gray chert. It is from the Texas Oklamhoma, ea...

This very fine Colima figure is a great work of art, able to balance itself in a position of action. It is also possible that this figure is a warrior holding a club rather than a bat.This piece dates from 300BC to 200AD. There are three repairs,the head was reattached at the neckline and the club was repaired at the lower end, there was a small crack on the left groin area that was repaired otherwise intact.This is a very unique Colima figure with mineral deposit overall . He measures13" head...

DESCRIPTION: A large polychromed wood figure of Saint Martin De Porres, Peruvian, 18th C. Here he is depicted gazing upward toward heaven, arms outstretched, wearing his Dominican robe embroidered in gold with a long painted rosary dangling past his waist. His white undergarment is richly painted with flowers and gold leafy tendrils. Carved in full round, his head is set with glass eyes and he retains a good amount of the original paint. DIMENSIONS: 26 inches high (66 cm).

SAINT MARTIN...

This is the only bone scalloped triskele gorget known to exist. I purchased it on 8-1-92 from Who's Who, Duke Snider, who purchased it from Tom Davis. It is a whopping 4 1/2 inches in diameter. The name of the finder will go to the buyer along with the original receipt and paperwork. Everything about this piece is 1000% correct. It is a solid piece in excellent condition with no restoration or repair. Needless to say, this is one of the finest bone artifacts known to exist. Please view my youtub...

I purchased this river-stained tally-marked four-directional/cross bone pendant from Tom Davis on 8-7-92. Tom had owned it for 10 years and he purchased it from the finder. The finder's name will be revealed to the buyer on purchase. I have the original receipt from Tom. It was found on the banks of the Tennessee River on the Tennessee/Mississippi border in Alcorn County, Mississippi. It is pictured with Tom in his bio in Who's Who, number 7, page 48. It is 3 3/4" long and 2 5/8" wide. Needless ...

8.5" long x 3.25" wide. Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Mary Mckee, Philadelphia, an agency physician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs from the 1890s to her retirement in 1930. Dr. Mckee graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia. After experiencing difficult setting up a private practice in her home town, due to a resistance to women doctors, she joined the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She served in N. Dakota with the Mandan and later in the Southwest, working with Nav...

Anasazi / LITTLE COLORADO WHITEWARE, WALNUT BLACK-ON-WHITE room size Olla, this type is attributed to the LITTLE COLORADO WHITEWARE / Anasazi Culture and is dated to A.D.1100-1250. Most Tusayan Whiteware types have vegetable paint, Vegetable paint often looks soft or watery so the edges are not as sharp as mineral paint, and are supposed to have light paste. Most Little Colorado Whiteware types have vegetable paint. It was found unbroken but has 2 pressure cracks redone about 5" long each and th...

An incredible Veraguas gold figural pendant biting a double-headed snake, Costa Rica, Circa 500-1000 A.D., height 1 13/16 inches (4.6 cm); 14 karat pure gold; especially beautiful solid yellow gold, 4.81 dwt., original loop for suspension. This is a perfect specimen. A 10+. Provenance: Art Market, Canal Zone, Panama. Dora (b. 1920) & David McIlhenny (1920-1992), Green Valley Arizona, acquired while living in Panama, 1960s-1977; thence by descent. [accompanied with a letter of ownership]

A Mexican folkart parade body mask costume depicting a ferocious male tiger with a wide open mouth. Carved from one solid tree trunk of a soft wood. Teeth are made using wild boar tusk and the tongue is a painted leather. The tail is removable.

Age: Early 20th C (1900-1920)

Dimensions: 63" Long by 18 1/2" Wide by 26 1/2" High

Pre-Columbian Maya Eccentric Obsidian Scepter. Cira.600 A.D. to 900 A.D. 5” x 0.625” x 14.5. These visually complex silhouette scepters, many found at Copan,embodied their role as cutting weapons and were symbolic of the martial pursuits of most late classic period rulers. Repaired break. Ref. Maya pg. 259, Rizzoli, 1998. Provenance: Spencer Throckmorton Gallery, NY, NY.

DESCRIPTION: A classic painting from the Peruvian Cuzco School, this stunning oil on canvas of Arcangel San Rafael dates from the 19th C. San Rafael is depicted with angelic face and a crown of roses on his head. The angel is dressed in boots and an elaborate traveler's coat with lace cuffs. From his left hand he holds a fish, which is the symbol of this saint. Wonderful condition; in a more recent burlwood frame; unsigned. Fine detail work and an excellent representation of the distinguis...

Type 10 Mezcala figure, 9" by 3",showing heavy mineralization and root marks.Small chip on the chin under the mouth.

Old Greenland Inuit Figure. The second photo shows the superb face rendered on the attachment. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs. 7 inches, 18 cm.

Early over-sized beaded hide pouch with real beads (next step down from pony beads). Buffalo or thick elk hide. 11" by 8".

Important huge granite stone ritual pestle shaped as a bust or head with neck, Pre-columbian, the Dominican Republic, Taino Culture, ca. 1000-1500 A.D.

This sculpture, likely the head of Zemi(?), is authentic and comes with a beautiful ancient patina and provenance to a reknown old German collection, read below.

A very important and large stone sculpture, carved in the form of a skeletal face typical of the Taino culture with a finely decorated head band. The sculpture is ...

Pre-Columbian A Very Rare Chinesco Figure Seated Figure, ‘Type E’. Laguna. This striking, yet delicate seated figure with a burnished creamy white slip, decorated with red painted details, including the well known “Red Hand”, emblematic of the Type ‘E’ Chinesco figures in the distinguished museum collections, dates to the Protoclassic Period of the West Mexican sculpture tradition in Southwestern Nayarit. Relatively large for this type, the sensitively sculpted and painted youthfu...

Pre-Columbian Columbia Gold and Lapis Necklace. 25”L. Circa 500 A.D. – 1200 A.D. Restrung with modern hasp. Very stunning. Provenance: Charles G. Moore, Howard S. Rose Gallery, NY, NY.

A rare Sultepec mask, possessing a great nose. This piece dates from approximately 500BC to 200Bc it measures 5 1/2" by 4" wide the nose rises 3" from the back. there appears to be a small amount of repair to the nose. there is an old auction number as well as a small tag with DeRoche on it, although I haven't spoken with Dave it is possible it was once in his gallery in San Francisco.There is a small chip on the right side of the top. This is a great mask at a great price.

Aztec Serpent Censer. Central Valley Mexico. Aztec. Circa. 1350 A.D. – 1520 A.D. 2” x 5.25” x 25”. Musical Fire Censer in the form a of a serpent, very highly detailed piece. Repaired from several breaks multi color red, buff, cream, and brown. Very unique and beautiful. Provenance: Howard Rose, NY,NY

An exceptional Pre-Columbian Stone Metate, the Dominican Republic, Pre-Taino Culture, 1st. millenium A.D.

Large and complete square Metates from Taino Culture are extremely rarely seen if ever on the antiques market. This Metate is authentic and comes with a beautiful ancient patina and provenance to a reknown old German collection, read below.

Carved, volcanic-stone ceremonial metates represent one of the most unusual and complex traditions of pre-Columbian artifacts; they a...

This extremely rare authentic Mayan Guatemalan jadeite skull was found in Belize and dates to 1500BC-300AD. It is from the collection of Marvin King. It has a certificate of authenticity from Jim Bennett with seal and can be verified online. He wrote the book "Avoiding Reproduction & Altered Ancient Indian Arrowheads". It is 100% translucent. It has beautiful patina and mineralization. It is drilled for suspension. The holes are correct. It is 1 1/16" long. Note that this is smaller than the pic...

This red cedar mask was found by S.C. Dellinger in 1935. It is 2 3/4" long and 1 3/4" wide. The patina is gorgeous. Never seen on the market. Another will never come along.

I purchased this bone bear carving many years ago from Michael Steele, Who's Who and publisher of Prehistoric Antiquities. It was found in PA. Michael purchased it from Len Weidner who authenticated and dated it. The patina is a gorgeous deep brown. It is 2 inches square. Have you ever seen another bone bear carving? This is an extremely rare and unique artifact. Along with my other two bone gorgets, I consider these to be the finest bone artifacts in existence from North America. Make a reasona...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Spanish Colonial Cuzco School painting of the Virgin Mary, originating from Cusco, Peru. Here Mary is depicted with a golden halo looking straight at the viewer, wearing a royal blue robe with gold floral accents. In her hands she holds the crown of thorns and nails; however her image is not one of sorrow but of great peace and serenity. The painting is enclosed by its original, reverse-slant carved and pierced frame, very characteristic of the elaborate carvings made by ...

Authentic Antique Museum Quality circa 1750-1850 A.D. Superb Quality Native American Indian Northern Plains long stone ball war club with wooden haft wrapped with rawhide and stitched closed with sinew with blue dyed horsehair suspension, adorned with glass beaded hide, temporarily attached on the metal wire.

CONDITION: Showing age and usage, with exceptional old patina from sweat and grease.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length: 86 cm (33.86 inches).

Dimensions of the stone head ...

A fine pair of Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Chancay culture star gazer figures, ca. 1000 to 1400 AD.

These stunning anthropomorphic figures are matching in style and colours and were likely built as a pair in the medieval period before the spanish arrived.

Featuring the typical highly stylized faces. Both the male and female figures stand nude on conical legs with their gender outlined in a minimalistic manor. They hold both arms out from the shoulders and are painted wi...

Pre-Columbian Olmec Jade Greenston Pendants (4). Mexico. Circa. 900 - 600 B.C. 2 1/8” x 2 3/14” L. Provenance: Estat of Carol Meyer, NYC. Each in the form of Jaguar’s claws, or teeth with curving, tapered ends. Four of the jades formed with concave reverse, each pierced for suspension. Four now strung on a modern gold chain, as pendants to a necklace. All are in excellent condition.

An unusual and rare Pre-Columbian necklace of ancient ivory-colored petrified Scorpian eggs and ceramic disc beads that were discovered together (it was restrung in Columbia). The multi-strand necklace of alternating petrified eggs and prehistoriv ceramic beads are strung in a bi-tone arrangement - 4 strands of petrified eggs alternating with dark reddish brown ceramic beads on one side, 4 strands of eggs alternating with ochre-colored beads on the other that are looped in the center and doubl...

Large Standing Soriente Figure. Remojadas, Vera Cruz, Mexico. Circa. 600-900 A.D. 15 ¼ “ x 12” x 3”. Hollow molded terra cotta. He stands with his arms widely spread holding an object of unknown purpose. Typical sloping forehead. Headware has varied well defined designs. He holds a object in his mouth, (often referred to as a hallucinogenic). These figures are thought to be children readied for sacrifice and are often refered to as “Happy Faces”. On old wood stand. Remenants ...

This 18K gold bell is a real beauty with original clapper intact which gives an extremely pleasing tinkle. It is 7/8". This is especially beautiful gold. It weighs 13.4 grams. The sound of bells were used by shamans in their magical rituals to open portals or manifest will. It has a large decorated loop on top allowing it to be worn with a large chain. An outstanding piece of pre-Columbian jewelry.

I purchased these four Hayes points from Tom Davis in the 1990's. They are from the Mississippian period and were found in SW Arkansas. Tom was selling them for Ken Partain and they are pictured in Prehistoric Antiquities of which I have the original publication. Tom sent me 79 Hayes points. I cherry picked the top four. All Hayes points are extremely rare and most on the market are fake according to one of top area authenticators. The crystal point is micro-chipped and is the finest workmanship...

This is an extremely rare assemblage of five bone gorgets. The top one is river-stained and highly engraved, almost unheard of. The middle one is very thin and also engraved. It is a 5" long by 1-1/2" wide. It was found on a Site in Virginia, called Mendota. This Bone Relic was purchased from Karl Kilguss at the Ripley Show. Karl got them from the Rich Johnson Auction that was in January. The bottom one is completely petrified. The next one is a beautiful 3 1/2" gorget from Kentucky that comes w...

Pre-Columbian Olmec Standing Figure. Mexico. 1 3/4”H. Circa: 1200 B.C. – 400 B.C. A blue-green carved jade example depicting a standing dwarf figure holding his arms to his sides and his hands over his large stomach. Expressive facial features having an open mouth which has a drilled perforation. Drilled openwork arms with two tiny drilled perforations through the upper arms. Short stubby legs, left leg has a chip to the inside corner, otherwise intact. Modern mounted 14kt gold suspe...

Classic Olmec los Bocas figure. 1200 B.C.E. -500 B.C.E. this excellently crafted figure has faint traces of red pigment with mineral deposits. He (no breasts, or sexual elements) is wearing a helmet or headdress, with what appears to be some form of jewelry over his nose or upper lip. this piece is all intact with no visible repairs, small amount of normal chipping around nose and feet. Many years ago I put this piece into auction with Arte Primitivo. Fortunately for both you and I it did not br...

A rare antique, first half of the 18th century, American Indian trade halberd or halberd tomahawk head, formed of hand-forged iron and adorned with brass panels.

During the first half of the 18th century, many Indian dignitaries carried the heads of this style on a short haft, like tomahawks.

There were numerous variations in the design of this halberd.

A very well hand-forged iron axe head with a flaring blade and a spear-shaped rear-fluke and a narrow central blade in the form...