Large ceremonial mortar in the shape of a monkey... Lot 18

Large ceremonial mortar in the shape of a monkey The four detailed legs support the body which has adapted to the cubic shape of the vessel. The details of the legs folded over the body are evoked by low relief engravings around the rim. The stylized head and tail are in relief. One can only admire the technical prowess of the tail skilfully hollowed out in the form of a spiral. Its beautiful green color, its size and its quality of execution are comparable to two mortars kept in the Casa Del Abado Museum in Quito. Pale green mottled stone. Traces of alterations. Transitional culture, Valdivia, Chorrera, Ecuador 1500 - 600 B.C. H. 12,5 - l. 28 - Th. 13,5 cm Provenance: - Former Jaramillo collection, Spain. - Belgian collection. Bibliography for the 2 similar objects: - Daniel Klein and Ivan Cruz Cevallos "Ecuador, the Secret Art of Pre-Columbian Ecuador", ed. 5 continents, 2007, n) 7 and 8, p. 42-43.