Curated Pre-Columbian | Artifact Shadow Box | Figurines & Beads | Circa 300 BCE–900 CE
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Curated Pre-Columbian | Artifact Shadow Box | Figurines & Beads | Circa 300 BCE–900 CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mesoamerica & Northern South America
Material: Terracotta, stone, carved shell, mineral beads
Period: 300 BCE – 900 CE (Multi-period curated collection)
Description
This visually compelling framed collection features fourteen authentic Pre-Columbian artifacts representing multiple cultural traditions across ancient Mesoamerica and the Northern Andes. Each artifact is mounted within a museum-style shadow box frame, allowing the individuality, form, and archaeological character of each piece to be clearly appreciated.
At the center is a classic West Mexican terracotta standing figure from the Shaft Tomb tradition, displaying the elongated limbs and stylized proportions typical of the culture. Surrounding it are terracotta fragments, miniature heads, carved shell pieces, stone beads, obsidian blade fragments, and small carved elements reflective of both ritual and daily-life uses. Together, they form a curated study of ancient craftsmanship spanning several regions and time periods.
Features
Identified Artifacts (Top to Bottom, Left to Right)
1. Small Carved Shell Head Fragment (Pre-Columbian Coastal)
Likely from a pendant or personal ornament.
2. West Mexican Terracotta Standing Figure (Central Piece)
Shaft Tomb tradition; arms folded, elongated torso.
3. Miniature Terracotta Head (Central Mexico)
Classic period; possibly from a small figurine or whistle.
4. Small Obsidian or Dark Stone Blade Fragment
General Mesoamerican utility tool.
5. Limb/Arm Terracotta Fragment (West Mexican or Veracruz)
6. Second Limb/Arm Terracotta Fragment (West Mexican or Veracruz)
7. Small Obsidian or Dark Stone Blade Fragment
General Mesoamerican utility tool.
8. Round Green Stone Bead (Possibly Amazonite or Chrysocolla)
Trade bead used widely across Central/South America.
9. Second Green Stone Bead
Companion bead; similar mineral composition.
10. Small Carved Fragment (Possibly Andean)
11. Limestone or Sandstone Small Carved Head
Miniature head with worn facial features, common in Central Mexican sites.
11. Small Terracotta Fragment (Possibly Limb)
12. Additional Formed Fragment
13. Round Stone Sphere / Sling Stone
Used in hunting or ritual contexts.
Cultural Significance
This curated grouping highlights the tremendous diversity of artistic traditions across the ancient Americas. From the expressive terracotta figures of West Mexico’s Shaft Tomb cultures to the symbolic stone beads and miniature heads of Central Mexico, each artifact reflects a unique cultural identity.
Such collections were historically assembled by travelers, scholars, or early collectors, bringing together objects from different regions as educational or display sets. Today, they serve as windows into the interconnected networks, trade routes, and shared artistic values of Pre-Columbian civilizations.
Condition
All artifacts show age-appropriate mineral deposits, weathering, and surface wear consistent with their antiquity. The shadow box frame is modern and in excellent condition. Artifacts are mounted securely.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Frame:
Height: 11.25 in
Width: 9.25 in
Age (Approximate)
1,100–2,300 years old
Provenance
Formerly with Silk Road, New York, New York, USA. Silk Road was a New York-based art dealer associated with antiquities, ancient art, and historical objects. Subsequently handled by Palmyra Heritage Gallery, and later acquired by a private collector in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Explore museum examples through the Pre-Columbian Art Collection – Art Institute of Chicago
Browse our curated Collection of Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mesoamerica & Northern South America
Material: Terracotta, stone, carved shell, mineral beads
Period: 300 BCE – 900 CE (Multi-period curated collection)
Description
This visually compelling framed collection features fourteen authentic Pre-Columbian artifacts representing multiple cultural traditions across ancient Mesoamerica and the Northern Andes. Each artifact is mounted within a museum-style shadow box frame, allowing the individuality, form, and archaeological character of each piece to be clearly appreciated.
At the center is a classic West Mexican terracotta standing figure from the Shaft Tomb tradition, displaying the elongated limbs and stylized proportions typical of the culture. Surrounding it are terracotta fragments, miniature heads, carved shell pieces, stone beads, obsidian blade fragments, and small carved elements reflective of both ritual and daily-life uses. Together, they form a curated study of ancient craftsmanship spanning several regions and time periods.
Features
Identified Artifacts (Top to Bottom, Left to Right)
1. Small Carved Shell Head Fragment (Pre-Columbian Coastal)
Likely from a pendant or personal ornament.
2. West Mexican Terracotta Standing Figure (Central Piece)
Shaft Tomb tradition; arms folded, elongated torso.
3. Miniature Terracotta Head (Central Mexico)
Classic period; possibly from a small figurine or whistle.
4. Small Obsidian or Dark Stone Blade Fragment
General Mesoamerican utility tool.
5. Limb/Arm Terracotta Fragment (West Mexican or Veracruz)
6. Second Limb/Arm Terracotta Fragment (West Mexican or Veracruz)
7. Small Obsidian or Dark Stone Blade Fragment
General Mesoamerican utility tool.
8. Round Green Stone Bead (Possibly Amazonite or Chrysocolla)
Trade bead used widely across Central/South America.
9. Second Green Stone Bead
Companion bead; similar mineral composition.
10. Small Carved Fragment (Possibly Andean)
11. Limestone or Sandstone Small Carved Head
Miniature head with worn facial features, common in Central Mexican sites.
11. Small Terracotta Fragment (Possibly Limb)
12. Additional Formed Fragment
13. Round Stone Sphere / Sling Stone
Used in hunting or ritual contexts.
Cultural Significance
This curated grouping highlights the tremendous diversity of artistic traditions across the ancient Americas. From the expressive terracotta figures of West Mexico’s Shaft Tomb cultures to the symbolic stone beads and miniature heads of Central Mexico, each artifact reflects a unique cultural identity.
Such collections were historically assembled by travelers, scholars, or early collectors, bringing together objects from different regions as educational or display sets. Today, they serve as windows into the interconnected networks, trade routes, and shared artistic values of Pre-Columbian civilizations.
Condition
All artifacts show age-appropriate mineral deposits, weathering, and surface wear consistent with their antiquity. The shadow box frame is modern and in excellent condition. Artifacts are mounted securely.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Frame:
Height: 11.25 in
Width: 9.25 in
Age (Approximate)
1,100–2,300 years old
Provenance
Formerly with Silk Road, New York, New York, USA. Silk Road was a New York-based art dealer associated with antiquities, ancient art, and historical objects. Subsequently handled by Palmyra Heritage Gallery, and later acquired by a private collector in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Explore museum examples through the Pre-Columbian Art Collection – Art Institute of Chicago
Browse our curated Collection of Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics
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