Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE.   The protective dwarf god Pataikos, shown standing on an integral base with short bent arms and squat legs, the disproportionately large head with squared facial block and small projecting ears, a pierced suspension loop at the back for stringing, the bright glaze with minor pitting and brown encrustation from age. Pataikos is a protective dwarf manifestation of the creator god Ptah whose amulets were worn to guard the wearer—especially women and children—from danger, illness and misfortune, including snake bites, crocodiles and other harmful creatures. His squat, dwarf‑like body was believed to embody magical power.  Size 1 3/8 inch high. + museum wax to black block base.  Provenance: Ex Secret Eyes Gallery New York 1970's-1980's

Circa 1st to 3rd Century AD A rectangular inlay carved from Eliphus (deer or stag bone).  The scene consists of a finely carved reclining goddess Venus.  Depicted with flowing hair and elegant, relaxed posture in a beautiful classical Hellenistic style,  nude in profile and with billowing drapery above her.   Size 6 1/4 inches length, 1 5/8 inch wide. + custom stand. Old collection label on verso. Provenance: Private Collection of Peter Winjum, acquired from Briggs Estate PA.

Ecuador, Ca. 2300-2000 B.C. Carved pale gray compacted limestone figural mortar depicting a stylized jaguar having a large curled tail, geometric block head with openwork mouth on three sides, incised teeth, and incised, wrinkled snout. Overall scattered areas of surface deposits. The grinder and mortar were part of a Shamans ritual tool kit and which would have consisted of items like this grinding tray, snuffing tablets, tubes, and spatulas. The animal form of the grinder would link it to the spiritual otherworldly realm. Size: 3-3/8”H. x 8-1/4”L. Provenance:  Ex. Estate of Floyd Johnson, NYC. Collected 1960’s - 1990’s.