RARE IDOL - Lot 20

RARE IDOL Pre-Hispanic civilization of the Southwestern United States, probably Anasazi, proposed dating 1,200 - 1,300 A.D. Alabaster and mother-of-pearl Height: 17.5 cm; Width: 8 cm; Thickness: 7 cm Rare and precious phallic idol in alabaster with a fine patina. The face is highlighted at the throat by an abrasion. The vertical nose in relief is topped by an incised mouth. The rectangular eyes are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The simplicity and material of this sculpture give it a very special presence, whereas sculptures of this kind often seem distant. This one, with its mother-of-pearl eyes, calls out to us. While a body of phallic sculptures is known to us, alabaster sculptures are rare.