Pre Columbian creature rattle
09 August 2023
Description

This is a small figure made of fired clay that rattles. He is rather alien or animal looking. His right ear has a small chip and small chip on left foot and another on the top of his head. In general he is in great shape. No cracks visible. He sits level.

Dimensions

3 3/4” tall 2 1/2”” widest part 2” feet stance

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 2 days
By David U.
Aug 11, 17:15 UTC
Fair Market Value
$400 - $600 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello Benet,

Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal.

Based on the images and available information, this item is:

A Bribri Pre-Columbian statue. This fired-clay statue originates from Pre-Columbian Central America, specifically Costa Rica, dating back to approximately 1000 to 1500 CE. The statue portrays an animal figure, its facial features abstract yet remarkably emotive. While most Sukia figures are commonly illustrated as smokers, this particular instance deviates from the norm. In this representation, the figure emerges, possibly post a smoking ritual, with its gaze directed upwards, and its lips puckered, as if exhaling smoke towards the celestial realm above.

Bribri art is a form of indigenous artistic expression practiced by the Bribri people, an indigenous group located in the Talamanca region of Costa Rica and Panama. The Bribri are part of the larger Bribri-Cabécar cultural group and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their unique art forms.

Bribri art is deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs, cosmology, and everyday life. It often reflects their close connection to nature, their reverence for ancestral spirits, and their understanding of the world around them

Good condition.

Retail prices may vary

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

30 Jun, 2025

Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: No appraisals
26 Jun, 2025
Mayan statues. On...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: No appraisals
20 Jun, 2025
Stone mask pre-co...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
11 Jun, 2025
Pre Columbian sta...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
8 Jun, 2025
Clay male pre Col...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: $400 - $800
8 Jun, 2025
Clay male sculptu...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: No appraisals
22 May, 2025
Small Mesoamerica...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: $300 - $700
14 May, 2025
pre-Columbian gol...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200
14 May, 2025
Stone sculpture o...
Pre-Columbian art
Estimate: No appraisals