Aztec Civilization Eagle Slate / 1428-1521 / Stone Figurine / Garden Decoration

This is a small stone statue believed to have been made in Japan during the mid to late Edo period (18th to 19th century). The figure represents "Jizo Bosatsu" (Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva), one of the revered bodhisattvas in the Buddhist tradition. Jizo is a figure of infinite compassion, believed to save all sentient beings from suffering. He is typically depicted as a gentle monk, with a shaved head and wearing a long robe known as kesa. He often holds a staff in his right hand and a hoju (wish-fulfilling jewel) in his left—symbols of his power to guide souls and grant comfort. This particular Jizo statue...

This is a unique wooden sculpture carved from a natural burl, making full use of the organic form of the wood. The artist is unknown, but as it was sourced within Japan, we have desc...

I was able to obtain a very rare item. This is a sculpture of the god ``Shinzo''. "Shin" = God "zo" = statue Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that gods reside in all things in the universe, and there have been many shrines. In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced and gradually spread throughout Japan. Around the 8th century, the idea that gods follow the teachings of Buddha spread. Until the Edo period, God and Buddha became one and the idea of ``Shinto and Buddhism syncretism'' was established. This statue was created during such a history. Originally, the image of God was invisible and could not be understood as something tangible. However, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, idol worship was also introduced, and the idea that the gods follow the teachings of Buddha was also propagated at the same time in order to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Around that time, around the 9th century, the first statues of gods...

An iron figurine made in Africa around the 20th century. In many countries in Africa, iron objects are used for objects, coins, tools, and rituals. Dogo...

Expressive, interesting African Baoulé mask from Cote d'Ivoire from last third of the last century, carved from wood painted polychrome. The face is narrow & elegant and has a though...

Hoe-Shaped Currency "Mbili Ngbaka," Ngbaka, D.R. Congo 20th century Iron, accumulation 16 x 7 in. / 41 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 18.25 in. / 46 cm This interesting type of iron currency was used for major transactions such as dowry payments. The two wings added to the lower tips of the hoe underline the non-utilitarian character of this type of currency (Ballarini, "The Perfect Form...

Yua Shell Currency, Bride’s Price Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea Hand carved from a clam shell Measures: 7 x 7.5 in / 18 x 19 cm Height on cus...

Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm Weight: 20.6 pounds / 9.34 kg Combined weight with base: 43.8 pounds / 19.9 kg The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...