PRE COLUMBIAN MEXCALA MONKEY GOD 100% IN-SITU CONDITION Start Price USD 500.00 Current Price USD 500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, August 24, 2008 End Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 Location Tucson, AZ. See more about 'PRE COLUMBIAN MEXCALA MONKEY GOD 100% IN-SITU CONDITION' Description Pre-Columbian Mexcala Stone Monkey God Western Mexico Remains from ancient civilizations dating as far back as 22,000 years old have been found in the borders between the states of Guerrero and Morelos.  During the VIII century B.C., sedentary tribes began to settle on the edges of local rivers and lagoons.  In Puerto Marquez, close to the present-day city of Acapulco, human remains from pre-Hispanic groups that lived in the area some 5,000 years ago have been found.In the margins of the Balsas river, the Mexcala culture occupied the territories that now constitute the state of Guerrero.  Paintings found in some caves in Juxtlahuaca and dated some 2,500 years old, are considered by scientists to be the oldest ever found in the American continent.The origins of this culture are rather disputed; some argue they descended from the Olmeca culture, while others tend to believe this Mesoamerican culture merely influenced the Mexcalas.  In any case, what seems to be clear is the strong influence the Olmecas had over the Mezcales in terms of cosmology, social configuration and physical infrastructure.The flourishing and constant mobility of other Mesoamerican cultures resulted in a cultural mosaic of great diversity in the state of Guerrero. By the XV century, just before the arrival of the European invaders, the state was home to the purepechas, mazatlecos, chontales, mixtecos, tlapanecos, cuitelcas, tepoztecos, pantecas, yopis and chubias, among many others who lived in harmony in some cases, and in constant battle in others.  This Monkey God effigy figure, which derives from the above cultural meld, is made of a dense, hard, green, granite-type stone (that has greyed with natural age), and has manganese deposits and mineralization consistent with long-time burial covering the entire piece. Under microscopic examination at 35x, the once intact Bi-Conical suspension holes show extemely early workmanship, and the centerpiece was broken in ancient times. This exquisite example measures 3" high, 1-1/4" wide, and 2" deep.   In addition to my own inspection, this figure has also been authenticated by Dr. Timothy Jones, PhD, Anthropologist, formerly with the University of Arizona.  Dr. Jones has accepted invitations to the world's largest museum in Beijing, and has received privately guided tours of the Beijing Museum, which included some of the most treasured vault items hidden away from the general public.  Dr. Jones has directed the excavations and analyses of more than 20 major sites and 40 archaeological surveys.  Dr. Jones now runs his own appraisal and authentication business, and is certified RPA-IAA.  Dr. Jones can be reached at 520-744-2766.  He helps in the verifications of all our later porcelains, as I do for him on the older items of Jades and pottery.  He has no vested interest in our business and we just truly enjoy each others company and knowledge. This stone artifact has also been authenticated by Fred Gumbart.  Mr. Fred Gumbart is the owner/appraiser of Arizona Galleries (520-322-6388).  He specializes (by appointment only) in consultations, and he is an official, licensed, and accredited appraiser of Fine Period Antiques, Fine Art, Ethnographic Art, Pre-Columbian Art and the Asian Arts.  Fred is a lifelong, serious collector of art, antiques and artifacts, and has been seen on the PBS History Detectives TV Show concerning antiques and artifacts.  He also has the most astounding memory of anyone I have personally known.           You may view this item or any of our other antiquities, fine art or artifacts at our gallery, by appointment only. We are Antiquities, Plus... David Fredericks 2752 North Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone 520-991-2153 Refunds will be made only upon receipt by us (within 14 days of buyer's receipt of the item), of a written verification from a major University Department Head, or Major Museum Curator from a recognized institution in the appropriate field. Note: For International sales, buyer is responsible for all import duty taxes. Place a Bid!