Lot 24

Pre-Columbian & Greek Terracotta Heads, Figures & Ocarina - Lot of 12

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Lot 24
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Pre-Columbian & Greek Terracotta Heads, Figures & Ocarina - Lot of 12
Pre-Columbian & Greek Terracotta Heads, Figures & Ocarina - Lot of 12
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Pre-Columbian & Greek Terracotta Heads, Figures & Ocarina - Lot of 12

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica; and Mediterranean, Greek, Hellenistic period, ca. 300 BCE – 1500 CE. A varied assembly of twelve terracotta fragments and small forms drawn from two ancient worlds. Eleven derive from Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and Central America, the workshops of Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica: molded and hand-formed heads with almond eyes and full lips, appliqued visages framed by ornament, a strap handle bearing traces of red slip, and a hollow zoomorphic ocarina still capable of song. Several retain the earthy patina of long burial. The twelfth piece stands apart, a Greek Hellenistic head crowned by a softly draped veil, its features modeled with the naturalism of the Mediterranean tradition. Once votive offerings, grave goods, musical instruments, and adornments for larger vessels, these fragments preserve the intimate handiwork of potters working across two hemispheres. Size of largest (ocarina): 3.5" L x 1.8" W (8.9 cm L x 4.6 cm W).

The ocarina belongs to a long Mesoamerican tradition of ceramic aerophones, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic whistles that accompanied ritual and daily life; many were shaped as animals and produced surprisingly clear tones. The molded heads typically broke away from larger composite figurines and effigy vessels, while such small clay effigies were widely interred as funerary companions.

The single Hellenistic head reflects the Greek workshop tradition of terracotta votives (such as those from Tanagra and Myrina), in which draped female figures were mass-produced from molds for dedication in sanctuaries and placement in tombs.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; red head: ex-Material Culture, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, May 27, 2025; some figures ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, July 22, 2024, lot 127; ex-Rachelle M. Miller estate, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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Item # 196985

  • Condition: Ocarina still functions. Almost all are fragments with chips and losses. Expected surface wear and weathering as shown.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000