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Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Art : Mayan Stone Pipe
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Mayan Stone Pipe - PF.4763
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
5.75" (14.6cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Stone
$2,400.00
Location: United States
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Photo Gallery |
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Description |
Though the Maya are still in many respects a
mysterious people, there is no doubt they were
very ingenuous. This is particularly true in their
devising simple solutions to complex problems,
and making simple tools for clever purposes.
This stone pipe is in that category of an item that
appears basic, but is in fact more than what it
seems. One use may have been as a 'blower' for
smelting gold. The stone would have made an
excellent material for this purpose. The Maya
nobility are known to have enjoyed using mind-
altering snuff, which could have been imbibed
through the hollow tube of the pipe. Its size and
weight would have made it portable, and easily
passed around from one person to the next. The
enigmatic face carved on the upper portion, and
the glyptic only add to the pipe's mystery;
making it something both rare and very
fascinating.
- (PF.4763)
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