Ivory tusk
2 tusks mounted to wooden base. They both have a removable (hot glued) ribbon at the base. The first one is 26 inch tall and 3 1/4 inch at the base of the tusk. The second is 24 inch tall and 3 1/4 at the base of the tusk. Not sure who made them or where they are from, but family inherited from is from Taiwan.
26 x 3 1/4; 24 x 3 1/4
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
The Huastec civilization, part of the broader Mesoamerican cultural sphere, flourished in the region of modern-day Veracruz, Mexico. Known for their distinctive artistic traditions, Huastec artisans produced terracotta sculptures and ceramics that often depicted human figures with exaggerated features. These head fragments were likely part of larger votive or ceremonial objects, used in religious or funerary practices. Their art reflects strong influences from other Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Maya and Totonac, particularly in their stylized representations of human faces. The period of 400-800 A.D. aligns with the Classic period of Mesoamerican history, when cultural and artistic developments reached their peak.
Condition & Provenance:
This fragment, originating from Veracruz, was part of the Virginia Lee Collection and was acquired from the Hartwell Kennard Gallery between 1971-1974, with a receipt confirming its provenance. The collection was later inherited by Richard Lee and sold to the Bradley Neiheisel Collection in 2024. The fragment exhibits wear consistent with age but retains significant features, including prominent facial characteristics and textural details.
