Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar

Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
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Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar

Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this

Published Manteño Parakeet Mortar

 

An excellent Manteño shell mortar in the shape of a parakeet. This adorable miniature mortar was de-accessioned from the collection of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC (inventory 67.12.12). Published in the book “The Pre-Columbian Collection: Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina” by M. Keating Griffiss, 1970 (object no. 94). The ancient artisan produced this from a thick shell core to resemble one of their more sacred animals – The Parrot. The head is detailed, and the main body (the receptor) is a deep well between the wings, finalizing with a short tail and legs. Smaller prongs were used to stabilize the mortar. The author states, “A carved shell vessel of an animal with four legs carrying a load, the top of which is concave.”  A copy of the book will be enclosed.

Minor surface wear and erosion with minor chipping and abrasions; otherwise, in excellent condition.

Measures 3.5″/8.89 cm in length by 2.25″/5.71 cm in height respectively.

Manta, Ecuador 700-1500 AD. – Ultra rare as mortars in shell rarely survive.

Provenance: Former Atlanta, GA private collection. Deaccessioned from the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, cited as a gift to the museum from Mr. & Mrs. Edwin L. Jones, 1967.

Price 1,240

 


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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases


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