MUZEION Abstract Sculptures

Southern Costa Rica or Western Panama, circa 800 to 1500 AD. A very fine example of the goldwork of the Veraguas-Chiriqui-Diquis region. A pendant in Carbonera style of a supernatural being, a composite monster with human torso and feline (probably jaguar) head. The figure is set in a frame decorated with little animal heads, one at each corner. The hands have also turned into animal heads. In place of genitalia is a stylized serpent head suspended by a twisted cord that was supposed to continue across the frame. A minor casting accident prevented it form being attached to the frame. A modern goldsmith would solder in two short lengths of twisted wire, but the ancient goldsmith did not have the equipment to make such repair. A double thread ending in spirals goes across the frame behind the neck of the figure, helping to fill up the frame and avoiding a large empty space. The word "thread" reminds us that the twisted and straight cords were, in the original wax model of the pendant really extruded wax threads, turned into metal by the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The braid pattern on the frame is illusory, just two twisted threads of extruded wax laid side by side. The goldsmith made the toes out of extruded wax thread too, very decorative as well. The piece comes with a certificate of authenticity by Mr. Robert Sonin, 5 May 2006. ref. photo roll 3301. A world renowned expert on Pre-Columbian Artifacts...

Southern Costa Rica/Western Panama, circa 800 to 1500 AD. Gold Veraguas-Chiriqui-Diquis twin figure pendant cast by the lost-wax (cire perdu) grasping an imaginary club with their claws, with bat ears and pop out eyes and each figure ending in the shape of a jaguar tooth, symbolizing the power of the jaguar and the ability to see in the dark; The casting process did not go entirely smoothly. Part of his mold, on the side of the proper right figure (viewer's left side), did not fill with metal. The Pre-Columbian goldsmith carried out a superb repair, probably making a wax patch and pouring gate on the gold pendant, then enclosing it in a new mold and pouring in more metal. The patch is hardly visible on the outside. A modern goldsmith, who cannot do it as well, would use his gas torch to solder on a patch. The gold is of such high grade or karat, possibly unalloyed native gold...

This glass sculpture by Sergio Galan is richly curved and has beautiful color and texture. The glass has a melody, as if music were captured as a three-dimensional experience. About the artist: Sergio Galan is renowned in Mexico as a master sculptor. His works can currently be found in the Monterrey Museum, the Museum of Mexican History...

This black marble sculpture by Hector Alvarado shows a semicircle that has been carefully developed and abruptly broken, cradled in a strong metal grip. With symbolism galore, this p...

A black marble sun dwarfs the horizon, a glimmering and polished sphere of radiance over a textured mountain peak. This Hector Alvarado piece is bold and hopeful, the promise of new ...

"The Crow". Magnificent minimalistic sculpture by Daniel Serna made from a single block on black marble. Its simplicity mimics a bird in flight. The bird's head rests on a custom bla...

Daniel Serna captures the monotony of city life in a never-ending cycle of ups and downs that are crowded with the same people and curves day after day. However, he also shows the excitement, diversity, and color that individuals contribute to this circle of existence as they bring their own buzz and impact on the world. White marble sculpture...

Numerous tiny houses flock together on the hill as every individual strives to etch a meaning into their existence here on earth. Each house is unique, diff...

Rarely is something what it appears to be. We are all layered, as are the decision we make and the paths we choose. We can rest assured, however, that things will turn out how they w...

Abstract and anthropomorphic large figure from the Pie River, located to the east of the Era River. Abstract, anthropomorphic form stands on separate legs with dynamic varying outline, wide hips, and torso leading straight to a rounded head. Figure represents Irivake, the ancestor hero who is considered as the founder of headhunting, also believed to have climbed to the sky and to command lightning. It is enlivened with various curvilinear details highlighted with red and white pigments. The back appears with a collection number in red, and the following: Ipigau (village), Upper Pie River, Papua, P63.20. This is a 'later example', not a first generation piece with several age cracks. It has likely seen field use, but not extensive field use. Provenance: Private New Jersey Collection, ex. Michael Rockefeller...

A South Coast wood ceremonial leeboard, Ica Valley region, Late Intermediate Horizon, ca. A.D. 1100-1400. This large 'remo' made from the hard algarrobo wood, features twelve figure...