Small Roman oil lamp with rare green-brown glazed surface. An unusual example in near perfect condition. The handle is reattached, otherwise intact. Minor surface erosion and a few dings. Light mineral deposits. Nice piece.
Tihuanaco beer cup painted inside in red and white with two opposing faces. One stable crack and several chips missing from the rim and some paint loss. Exterior shows heavy deposits and chips missing from the footed base. A good example with no repairs or restoration.
Bronze Age terracotta bowl from the Nal culture, Indus Valley of Baluchistan, in what is now modern day Pakistan. A rare polychrome painted vessel with small footed base and straight sides. Polychrome Indus Valley pottery has only been found at one site called Mehrgarh located approx. 100 km to the north of Khuzdar. These vessels were painted with black outlines before firing and afterwards cold-painted (post firing) with yellow, green, red and sometimes white and blue pigments. Condition is fairly good. A small (1 long) stabilized stress crack at the rim and moderate paint loss. Areas of earthen deposits, a few scrapes and dings consistent with age.
A Nazca polychrome painted pottery bowl decorated with a horizontal band of red and black chili peppers divided by vertical lines. In poor condition. Moderate to heavy surface erosion and pitting, but is unbroken. Would be a good restoration project or could be displayed as is, in its original (as-found) condition. Ex. S. Inoa collection of Miami, Florida.
A Nazca pottery vessel decorated with horizontal bands of purple, white, and black against a cream background. The wavy orange designs at the top, just under the rim, are stylized representations of peanuts. In poor condition. Assembled from five original pieces with with two small rim losses. Some areas of excess glue, mainly on the interior. Shows light to moderate surface wear and deposits. Could be a nice piece with a bit of restoration.
A prehistoric Carcharodon Megalodon shark tooth. An attractive example with fossilized black enamel and root. In fair condition. Broken and assembled from three (3) original pieces with breaklines restored. On custom metal display stand which is included. Museum deaccession.
Welcome to my galleries! Here you will find a wide selection of ancient artifacts and tribal art. Buy with confidence, as all items are fully guaranteed to be authentic and as described. Every work of art offered on this site has been carefully examined for authenticity and is unconditionally guaranteed to be as described. My goal is for all customers to be completely satisfied. A lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity will accompany every purchase. Should a known, reputable expert dispute the authenticity of any item sold on this Website, I will promptly refund the purchase price. I accept payment via Personal Check & US Postal Money Order. PayPal also accepted. All prices are in US Dollars.
All items being offered on this website have appropriate provenance and are legal to buy and own under the United States statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, Chapter 14. Every purchase comes with a written certificate of authenticity (COA) and are fully guaranteed to be as described. Provenance and accurate, detailed condition information is included with each listing.
Two small pottery items from Teotihuacan in Central Mexico. Both are mold-made and in near excellent condition. The maskette is of typical style, molded face with incising on the forehead and pierced ear spools. Intact, but has minor chipping and glue residue on the back. The small standing figure has a reattached head, but is complete and has yellow pigment remaining in the crevices.
Olla 3 (right) – Orangeware with raised spout and zoomorphic adornos. Good condition; surface has fire clouding otherwise intact. Approx. 4.5 x 4.25
Two African combs dating to the second half of the 20th Century. Decorative combs such as these were not made for everyday use, but were carved to commemorate special events within the tribe. Both are Ex. J. Behnkin estate of Atlanta, GA.
Collecting ancient art is also a wise investment, but aside from monetary value, ancient art is a direct link to our past. Collectors are the keepers of history. I hope many of you will pass on your interest in ancient art and history to your children and grandchildren. Keeping the spirit alive and growing for generations to come.
An unusual miniature double olla from Costa Rica. Two small vessels conjoined at the middle and again at the top by a strap handle. Buff tan terracotta construction with orange slip on the handle and inner rims of the spouts. In perfect condition with light deposits present. A very cute piece and a rare type.
A small Chupicuaro pottery bowl. Bi-chrome painted with horizontal bands in red and cream. A utilitarian vessel of ovoid form, slightly elongated on one side to facilitate pouring or scooping. In excellent condition with ample deposits and root marks. A choice example. Ex. K. Reyes collection of Indio, CA.
The breaks and losses could easily be restored, but I believe the minor flaws add to its character and visual appeal. Displays nicely as is.
Olla 1 (top) – Redware with decorative handles. Good condition; one handle reattached otherwise intact. Approx. 4 x 3.
Rare Chimu miniature terracotta rain dance vessel. Canteen form with slightly flared spout and two perforated lug handles. The central panel shows a standing shaman wearing a plumed headdress, a spear (or staff) in one hand, a tumi knife in the other. The figure is surrounded by rain drops. The scene, which is more common on larger blackware vessels, is a representation of a rain ceremony. The back of the vessel is undecorated. Overall in good condition. Assembled from a half dozen pieces and two areas of restored losses. Repaired areas are confined mostly to the back. Some fire-clouding and mineral deposits present. This miniature vessel is nicely detailed and unusual for its size. Displays well. Ex. California collection.
Two pottery baskets from the border area of Costa Rica and Panama – Diquis Zone, dating to the Chirique Phase, Period VI. Both are rounded with wide strap handles, rough surfaces (without slip). The larger (left) is undecorated, but is intact. The smaller (right) has button adornos across the handle. It has a 1/2 probe hole and 2 stabilized cracks. Both show considerable deposits and are in original condition, no restoration. Ex. R. Murray collection, Georgia.
A pottery head fragment from the ancient Koma culture of Ghana, Africa. Janus form with two opposing faces composed of appliqued and pierced features. Most likely broken from a larger figure or vessel. Constructed from coarse, sandy clay typical of Bura pottery. In fair condition, one face has an eroded nose, the other has losses below the nose (mouth area) but still displays well as a fragment. A good example of ancient Bura pottery. Could easily be mounted on a custom display stand for minimal additional cost.
Three pottery pedestal bowls from the border area of Costa Rica and Panama – Diquis Zone, dating to the Chirique Phase, Period VI. Each has a flared footed base and is topped by offering bowls. Vessel 1 (left) has incised decoration on the base and a 2 chip missing at the base. Approx. 4 x 6. Vessel 2 (center) has adornos just below the rim, small base and rim chips and a stable crack near the midsection. Approx. 5 x 6. Vessel 3 (right) has no decoration, but is intact with no chips or cracks. Approx. 3 x 6. All have light surface erosion along with moderate deposits.
Below is a selection of low-cost authentic artifacts from around the world. Perfect for budget or beginner collectors. Make great gifts too. Nothing over $100!
A small blackware olla from the Guangala culture of ancient Ecuador. A squat ovoid vessel with a slightly flared spout and openwork handles. The blackware surface is decorated on both sides with incised and stippled geometric patterns which are embedded with white pigment. Designs similar to this have been seen on Peruvian Inca pottery of a later period. In excellent, intact condition with light deposits consistent with age. Ex. R. Murray collection.
A small La Tolito solid terracotta figure. Nicely sculpted from light, sand tempered clay; typical of this region. The squat, rotund figure sits with hands held to the stomach with feet below. He/she wears a large solar headdress and ear ornaments along with a wide multi-strand necklace. Condition is very good. Light wear and deposits overall. Minor erosion to the nose, otherwise intact and complete with no repairs or restoration. A really cute piece!
About Collecting and Other Information
Figure 2 (right) – A kneeling Jama Coaque orangeware figure circa 300 AD – 600 AD. Possibly used as a lime container. Hollow construction, wearing incised necklace, arm-bands and elongated headdress. Light surface wear and moderate deposits. Intact, excellent condition. 2.75 tall.
Three pottery vessels (ollas) from Costa Ricas Atlantic Watershead region. Ex. R. Murray collection of Georgia.
Rare miniature pottery basket-form vessel from the Atlantic Watershed region of Costa Rica. Globular round-bottomed body with a thick handle arching from the inverted rim. Buff terracotta with red handle and rim. The bottom is burnished orange. Stylized faces at the base of each handle and around the body. In very good, near excellent condition. Only minor repairs to the handle, but all original. Some fire-clouding. A nice example of the type El Bosque, known for its red on buff ceramics with impressed and/or appliqued decoration. Cute piece. Appears choice.
Small terracotta vessel from the Atlantic Watershed region of Costa Rica. Rows of raised nodes decorate the upper portion along with two pierced handles. Orange/tan in color with a red stripe painted around the middle and at the neck. In excellent condition. One tiny repair at the rim and a few chipped nodes, otherwise nearly perfect. Nice (and rare) example of the type El Bosque, known for its red on buff ceramics with impressed and/or appliqued decoration.
A – A small ribbed pumpkin vessel. Nice redware surface with some erosion. Minor restoration to the body and rim. 3 x 3.5 – $95
I strive for the utmost accuracy when describing the culture, era and condition of all the items on this site. Any known repairs (restoration/conservation) will be fully disclosed. Additional high-resolution photos are available upon request. Email me for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or photos of any item(s) on this site. Click the links below to browse the galleries. Enjoy your treasure hunt…
A Maya poison bottle dating to the Late Pre-Classic to Early Classic Period. Rounded body with corseted neck and flared spout. The blackware (gray) surface is decorated with incised (carved) linear geometric patterns. In very good condition. Some chipping at the rim of the spout; otherwise intact and original. Moderate deposits inside and out. No repairs or restoration. A nice, early example.
As most serious collectors know, there are numerous fakes and reproductions being offered in todays market. Ebay is filled with listings of fake antiquities. Avoiding fakes is critical when building your collection. It is important to know and trust the dealers you buy from. Ask questions and inquire about the sellers authenticity guarantee and return policy. Also, educate yourself and learn as much as possible about your area of interest. Read books, go to museums and attend reputable antiquities shows. Also, there is valuable information available on-line. I recommend collectors join the Ancient Artifacts Discussion Group on Yahoo. Its free to join and there you will find current listings of reputable dealers as well as known sellers of fake antiquities. There are also many knowledgeable and friendly experts willing to help answer your questions and guide you in making wise decisions.
Contact me via email at:r call . Payment options are check, money-order or PayPal. Credit Cards can be processed through PayPal. Discount may apply on the purchase of multiple items.
Small Ban Chiang pottery vessel from northern Thailands Udon Thani Province, dating to the late period. Footed base and angular body with flared rim. Nicely incised with linear designs on the upper shoulder. Moderate deposits and encrustations. Overall in near excellent condition. Intact with only minor rim chips missing. No breaks, cracks or repairs. An attractive example that displays well.
Two shallow offering plates from Teotihuacan. Both are buff terracotta with flat bottoms and flared sides. In good condition. Each assembled from two pieces with the breaks restored. Both show deposits consistent with age.
An interesting wooden Baule mask. The face is shows a pleasant, serene expression and almond-shaped eyes. A nicely detailed crocodile runs downward through the mask. The Baule are part of the Akan group of the Ivory Coast. The Baule are related to the Guro and Yaure, and there is a resembl
C – Orangeware olla with a simple white painted design. Intact with a small stress crack and considerable deposits – 2.75 x 2.5 – $50.
International sales require payment via PayPal. All shipping costs, insurance and import fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
A pottery amphora handle from the Holy Land, dating to the Roman period. A ribbed handle that was once part of a large storage container. Made of reddish terracotta, typical of this period, it has moderate to heavy surface encrustation. In good condition as a fragment. Written on the underside is Birthplace of Mary. An interesting feature, but I certainly can not confirm that as fact.
An Early American brass finger ring, circa 1658 to 1668. Nicely decorated with incised lines and impressed dots. Originally excavated at the St. Michaels Jesuit Mission (marsh site) in East Bloomfield, NY. In fine condition, intact with green (verdigris) surface. Riker display box is included. Ex. Howard Metzler collection. Ex. B. Cookston collection of Georgia.
An unopened cloth pouch of Genuine Durham Smoking Tobacco from W.T. BLackwell & Co., a division of The American Tobacco Co., Richmond, VA. Probably dates to around 1960. The package still retains the original revenue stamp at top of package and the originally included packet of rolling papers tucked into the back of the pouch. In fair condition. Wear and losses to paper label including creases, tears and fold marks. Cloth has light staining. Also included are twelve (12) unused Velvet brand cigarette (rolling) papers and one (1) pack B&W cigarette papers. All in very good condition. A nice group of vintage collectable tobacco products.
Olla 2 (left) – Redware with incised designs and zoomorphic adornos. Fair condition; surface has fire clouding and several cracks. Approx. 4.25 x 3.5
A medium-sized Colima redware bowl from West Mexico. A simple utilitarian bowl with lightly burnished surface showing deposits and minor wear. In very good condition. One small rim chip and a stabilized 2-inch long hairline crack, otherwise completely intact with no restoration. A nice example. Ex. Atlanta, Georgia collection.
Two ollas from Costa Rica. Both are rounded with flared spouts, bichrome painted in cream and red slip. In excellent condition with no breaks, chips or repairs. Ex. R. Murray collection of Georgia.
Two miniature bowls from Teotihuacan, Mexico. Orange terracotta with some fire clouding on the larger bowl. In good condition. Each has small rim chips restored and deposits consistent with age.
Three lobed copper Peruvian bell. Heavy patina and encrusted with some damage and minor losses. Two lobes retain their clackers, the other partially crushed. Somewhat fragile, but nice example.
A small cut and polished agatized Cleoniceras ammonite fossil from the Jurassic-Cretaceous period of Madagascar. It exhibits gorgeous mineralization within the chambers, each separated by white calcite scepta (divisions). The reverse side has a beautiful, iridescent, mother of pearl appearance. This highly polished, exotic ammonite makes a superb display piece on the custom metal stand which is included. Could be mounted and worn as a pendant on a necklace.
Comb 2 (right) – Unpainted, natural wood. This beautifully carved comb would have been made to commemorate a wedding. At the top are two birds, touching beaks (kissing). In the center are two seated figures with hands extended, holding a heart. Below that is the Christian cross. At the bottom is a two-headed turtle; representing duality. A snail, turtle and gun are on the back; symbolizing patience and security. In excellent condition. Approx. 9 tall. $95
Three small pottery ollas (seed jars) from ancient Panama. All are Conti style with cream linear decoration on a deep orange ground. The two smaller ollas have some black paint remaining. Each have rounded bodies and flared spouts, typical of the type. All are in very good condition, intact with no cracks or repairs. Light to moderate paint loss and deposits as would be expected. Ex. R. Murrray collection of Georgia.
A Jama Coaque snake effigy from ancient Ecuador. The body is coiled with the tail upturned. The head is raised and shows applied button eyes along with pierced nostrils and slit mouth. Typical orange-buff terracotta with areas of fire clouding and light deposits. In fine condition. No breaks, chips or repairs. Cute piece!
A prehistoric Carcharodon Megalodon shark tooth. An attractive example with fossilized dark enamel and black root. In near excellent condition. There are a few small chips along the the edges, but has no cracks, breaks, repairs or restoration. Displays nicely on a custom metal display stand which is included.
Small Iron Age I cooking pot of Trans-Jordan origin. Lovely form with a graceful inverted rim. The exterior has delicate horizontal incised ribs. Flat bottom. Overall condition is quite good. Several repaired rim chips and small stress cracks in the bottom, but generally intact and near choice. Nice mineral deposits and encrustations as would be expected. Displays well. Please refer to the restoration services cracks & chips page of this site to see before & after photos of the repairs on this item.
A small Nayarit vessel in the form of a female figure with incised hair and holding both hands behind her neck. The tapered bulbous body has prominent breasts and an opening at the top of the head served as a pouring spout. The buff-orange surface is almost entirely covered with heavy manganese deposits. Root marks and mineralization is present as well. In excellent condition with no cracks breaks or chips. A nice, intact example.
An interesting Moche figure carved from shell. In very good condition with moderate deposits from burial. Somewhat eroded, but still shows nice details. Will not stand upright on its own. A rare artifact.
A pottery figure depicting an elderly Lobi tribesman playing Mancala. The Lobi occupy areas of Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire and Ghana. The game of Mancala is thought to have originated in Africa around 600 AD. It is a popular game in Africa that is now being played throughout the world. The figure is realistically sculpted in blackware terracotta. He sits with one knee raised and one hand reaching for gaming stones on the Mancala game-board. The other hand holds captured stones. Condition is fair to good. Restoration to one arm and the game-board, otherwise intact. A few tiny chips are present along with light earthen surface deposits, mainly in the crevices. An attractive and decorative piece, but is relatively modern and was not created for tribal use. Most certainly made for the tourist trade and dates to the last half of the 20th Century.
As for my pricing, I am neither a wholesaler or retailer, but somewhere in between. I sell to dealers and private collectors alike. When pricing any item, I consider the rarity, quality, and desirability, as well as other factors. But in the end, what really determines the asking price is how much I like that particular item. My favorite pieces are always priced higher or not offered for sale at all.
Polychrome painted Wari (Huari) bottle-form vessel. Rounded body with tall tapered neck and strap handle. Orange base color with black and white linear decoration painted in a simple alternating stripe pattern. Traces of red pigment also remaining, mostly under the handle. Condition is fair to good. Assembled from three large original pieces with restored breaks. Small spout repair and light paint touch ups. Moderate surface wear and paint loss, but appears near choice and displays nicely.
Teotihuacan incensario (candelero) with impressed designs. Typical hand-held type, but more crudely made than most. These small portable lamps were used to hold burning Copal resin incense. Common form, two deep recesses to hold the incense. Buff terracotta with burnished top. In fine condition. See page 267 of Berrin & Pasztorys Art from the City of the Gods for other examples.
Jump-start your collection and receive an additional discount. Choose any 5 or more bargain items and get an additional 10% off!
An adorable Manteno bird effigy. A realistically sculpted bird with a pointy beak, pierced eyes and incising around the neck. Wings are tucked to the sides. Typical orange-tan terracotta construction. In very good condition. The tip of the beak and a few other small chips restored otherwise intact. Cute piece!
Scroll to the bottom of this page to view a wide selection of bargain artifacts. Nothing over $100!
Very unusual Ewe terracotta fetish. An interesting item of unknow purpose. It surely had some ceremonial use, but clay items such as this are so rare that it is difficult to determine its specific purpose. It might have been a lid to a larger divination or fetish bowl. It has a handle in the form of a stylized animal. At each side of the handle are two small vessels. Around the base are a ring of thick loops. Overall in good condition with a few breaks and losses as is common with old African terracottas. One vessel has been reattached and one of the loops is missing. Other minor chips and dings, but generally intact. Considerable staining and encrustations. It shows obvious signs of age and tribal use, but in my research I have not found anything remotely similar. If anyone cares to venture a guess, Id be interested in knowing more about it. An intriquing artifact to say the least.
A small Teotihuacan pottery bowl with slightly concave bottom and flared sides. The brownware surface is lightly burnished and has moderate deposits. In fair condition. Assembled from 6 original pieces with restored breaks.
Small Tiwanaku olla from the Bolivian highlands. Nicely formed, six-lobed body and flared rim with two handles on either side. Orange-red in color with black lines and dots in a geometric pattern. Overall in near choice condition with only one rim shard restored. Light deposits and mineralization. Ex. Barney Mallonee Collection.
Two pottery pouring vessels from the border area of Costa Rica and Panama – Diquis Zone, dating to the Chirique Phase, Period VI. Each has a tapered pouring spout near the top. Opposite the spouts, tucked under the rim, are stylized human faces with arms done in applique relief. Vessels of this type were used in ceremonial pouring (water worship) rituals. Both sit on footed bases; the bodies are rounded and topped by wide flaring rims. The surface is rough, unburnished and without slip. Both are in good condition. Light surface erosion present along with moderate deposits, but both vessels are intact and original with no repairs or restoration.
A large Maya terracotta bowl. Bright orange surface with two incised lines below the rim. In good condition. Two large shards reattached and breaks restored. Some light rim chipping, minor erosion and deposits present. Ex. R. Murray collection of Georgia.
A nice Cajamarca miniature vessel from Northern Peru. In the form of a small pticher with loop handle. Well painted in red and black geometric patterns over a cream base color. In good condition. Handle and rim partially restored, otherwise intact with deposits inside and out.
All items being offered on this website have appropriate provenance and are legal to buy and own under the United States statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, Chapter 14. Every purchase comes with a written certificate of authenticity (COA) and are fully guaranteed to be as described. Provenance and accurate, detailed condition information is included with each listing.
Comb 1 (left) – Painted in glossy black. The central image is of a spotted cat capturing prey. On the top are two figures shaking hands. This comb likely commemorates an agreement between neighboring tribes or members of the same tribe. In fair condition. Broken down the middle and glued together. Approx. 10 tall. $65
Bronze Age terracotta bowl from the Nal culture, Indus Valley of Baluchistan, in what is now modern day Pakistan. Rounded olla-form vessel with black linear decoration on buff terracotta. This pattern is categorized as the checkerboard and comb motif. Condition is fair to good. Several glued and stabilized stress cracks and a small repair at the rim. Some minor paint loss, areas of earthen deposits, a few scrapes and dings consistent with age.
A trio of olla-form miniature vessels from West Mexico. These were all collected in San Luis de Lozada, Nayarit in 1962 by Kenneth Burlingham. All are fine examples and in generally good condition. See individual descriptions.
A small Hopi bowl with the lightning and rain clouds motif. A nice older (unsigned) example, probably dating from the 1940s to the 1960s. Nicely painted in black against a cream background. In near excellent condition. Intact with no breaks, chips or cracks. A few minor scuffs and paint loss (mostly at the rim), otherwise choice. Displays well on the acrylic stand which is included. Could be mounted on a custom metal display stand for minimal additional cost.
Shipping costs not included in purchase price. Tracking info will be provided. Shipping options are USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground and FedEx. International sales (outside of the United States) require payment via PayPal. All international shipping costs, insurance and import fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
Two pottery footed vessels (ollas) from the border area of Costa Rica and Panama – Diquis Zone, dating to the Chirique Phase, Period VI. Each has a short footed base, rounded bodies and are topped by flared rims. Vessel 1 (left) has bird head adornos and chips missing. Approx. 4 x 3.5. Vessel 2 (right) has a stylized bird face tucked just beneath the rim, small chips missing and lightly eroded surface. Approx. 5 x 6. Both have light to moderate deposits and no repairs. Ex. R. Murray collection, Georgia.
Collecting is a passion and the people who collect are as diverse as the items they choose to acquire. It is thought that the urge to collect is an instinct that remains within us from our prehistoric, hunter-gatherer ancestors. Regardless of what drives us to collect, it is important to collect pieces you like. Enjoy your treasures and learn from them.
B – Buff terracotta olla with painted geometric designs. Intact with minor rim chips and light paint touch-ups. 3 x 3 –
Small olla-form vessel from West Mexico. A common type seen throughout Western Mexico, the surface color and texture indicates this example is most likely from Jalisco. Plain undecorated exterior in a rich chocolate brown color with some reddish tones. Overall in very good condition with no repairs. Two hairline stress cracks, one on the bottom and another at the rim, but basically intact and stable. Moderate deposits. Nice form and an elegant shape.
I have numerous items that are not shown on this Website. If you have a particular interest and are looking for something special, just ask. Also, some of the items shown in the restoration services pages are available. Contact me about availability and pricing. Please feel free to email with questions or comments concerning any of the pieces on this site. Enjoy your treasure hunt…
Figure 1 (left) – A standing Manetno grayware figure circa 600 AD – 800 AD. Solid construction, wearing an angular headdress, with incised skirt and wrist bands. Light surface wear and moderate deposits. May have been glued at the waist, but appears intact. 4.5 tall.
Please feel free to contact me if I assist you in helping start or build your collection in whatever area interests you. The items offered here may not be the rarest, least (or most) expensive in the marketplace, but be assured they are authentic and of the highest aesthetic quality. Being an artist myself, I am very selective about the items I collect and sell. I acquire only pieces with great visual appeal and are superior in overall design, form, balance and proportion.
A Ming Dynasty pig – boar head miniature table offering. The pig head sits in a bowl as to be served as food. The head is covered in a gold glaze. The ears and bowl are unglazed terracotta. Miniature offerings such as this were made in a variety of shapes and forms, representing fruits, vegetables, cakes, breads, meats, etc. They would sit on small tables that were filled with various food offerings to accompany and nourish the deceased in the afterlife. In very good condition. A small chip on the edge of the bowl, otherwise intact. Light surface deposits present.