47034

Aztec-Mixtec Knife with Carved Wood Handle

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:6,750.00 USD Estimated At:27,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Aztec-Mixtec Knife with Carved Wood Handle
<B>Knife with Carved Wood Handle</B></I><BR>Aztec-Mixtec<BR>A.D. 1300 - 1521<BR>Wood and Chert, Weight 38 grams<BR>Height 13 in. Width 1 1/2 in.<BR><BR>The crisply carved wooden handle is connected to a broad chert blade of deep reddish brown color. The handle's primary image is a half figure whose open mouth suggests someone singing or chanting. An elaborate, frame-supported headdress backs this figure. It is possible that the entire unit represents an effigy such as would have been found in a shrine. Absolute iconographic identification is elusive, but the principal figure's facial expression and limply hanging hands make Xipe a likely identification. Xipe is an ancient deity, probably originating among early Gulf Coast agriculturalists. His primary meaning is as the flayed god of spring and regeneration. By Aztec-Mixtec times he was also patron of goldsmiths and jewelers. Here it is of note that the most likely identification of the headdress creature is Xiuhcoatl, the fire serpent. Robert Sonin, in a letter of 10 December 1982, cites a line from a hymn to Xipe that is of relevance: "The serpent of fire has set me free" (Laurette Séjourné. <I>Burning Water. Thought and Religion in Ancient Mexico.</B></I>New York and London: Thames & Hudson, 1956, p.151). The condition is very good. It is probable that the handle and blade, both ancient, have recently been put together.<BR><BR>The lot is sold with a statement of authenticity from the distinguished expert Robert Sonin.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Leonard Patterson, New York<BR>David Bernstein, New York<BR><BR>