Pre-columbian

Pre-columbian art

Pre-Columbian art refers to the rich and diverse artistic traditions developed by the Indigenous cultures of Central and South America prior to the European conquest in the 15th century. It includes a wide range of civilisations, from the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec in Mesoamerica to the high cultures of the Andes such as the Moche, Chimú, and Inca.

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These artworks — including ceramics, stone sculptures, textiles, and goldwork — reveal an extraordinary level of technical sophistication, aesthetic refinement and profound symbolic depth. They reflect cosmological worldviews, religious rituals, social hierarchies, and political power structures.

Pre-Columbian art stands not only as a testament to the cultural diversity and spiritual depth of these early civilisations, but also as a lasting source of inspiration for the development of modern art and design.

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Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala Culture: Idol, ca. 300 to 100 BC
Provenance
Edith Hafter (1911-2001), Solothurn, Switzerland
sold EUR 7,100
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Peru, Nazca: Bridge vessel with double spout, Early Intermediate Period, Middle Nazca, ca. 100 to 300 AD
Provenance
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), Paris, France German Private Collection (1963) Ketterer, Munich, 13. Nov. 1982, catalogue 63a, Lot 391 Klaus Kalz, Berlin, Germany
sold EUR 6,000
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Peru, Moche: Stirrup-spouted vessel with sacrificial scene
Provenance
Ulrich Hoffmann, Stuttgart, Germany Günther & Ursula Hartmann, Berlin, Germany
sold EUR 12,000
Ecuador, Manabí Cerro Jaboncillo, Manteño: Jaguar throne, ca. 500 to 1500 AD
Provenance
Museum of the American Indian, New York City, USA Stendahl Galleries, Hollywood / New York City, USA (1964) Edith Hafter (1911-2001), Solothurn, Switzerland Art Loss Register Certificate, ref. S00242361
sold EUR 14,000
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Panama, Veraguas Culture: Pendant in the shape of a frog with a two-headed snake, ca. 800 to 1500 AD
Provenance
Gubelin, Lucerne, Switzerland André Emmerich, New York, USA (Record No. CA-274) Edith Hafter (1911-2001), Solothurn, Switzerland (1964)
sold EUR 7,500
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Mexico, Veracruz: Yoke "yugo" with decor in relief, Classic Period, ca. 450 to 650 AD
Provenance
Edith Hafter (1911-2001), Solothurn, Switzerland
sold EUR 7,500