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Learn MoreValdivia Star Chart, 3300 BCE
- This is an artifact from the Valdivia culture, who lived in Ecuador between 3500-1800 BCE
- The drilled dots on limestone represent the Valdivian people's complex writing system
- This is a historical treasure from one of the oldest settled cultures in the Americas
- Other Valdivia artifacts reside in museums
- Get complete item description here
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Item No.
31-9580
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Description
This light grey limestone slab, adorned with drilled dots, is a mysterious and intriguing artifact attributed to the Valdivia people, one of the earliest settled cultures in the Americas. The Valdivia culture thrived on the Santa Elena peninsula in Ecuador between 3500 and 1800 BCE, known for their highly advanced communities and some of the earliest known ceramic traditions in the New World.
The purpose of decorated stone objects like this slab remains enigmatic,. . .
The purpose of decorated stone objects like this slab remains enigmatic,. . .
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This light grey limestone slab, adorned with drilled dots, is a mysterious and intriguing artifact attributed to the Valdivia people, one of the earliest settled cultures in the Americas. The Valdivia culture thrived on the Santa Elena peninsula in Ecuador between 3500 and 1800 BCE, known for their highly advanced communities and some of the earliest known ceramic traditions in the New World.
The purpose of decorated stone objects like this slab remains enigmatic, although they are often called "star charts." Their exact function is unknown, raising the possibility that they might be early forms of writing, roughly contemporary with cuneiform in Sumer and hieroglyphs in Egypt. Despite the limited number of scientific archaeological excavations of Valdivian sites, these artifacts have sparked considerable scholarly interest and numerous theories. This piece exemplifies the archaeological and cultural fascination surrounding the Valdivia people, whose contributions to early American history continue to be explored and appreciated. Similar Valdivian artifacts can be found in the Brooklyn Museum and the Museo de la Plata in Argentina.
Circa 3300 BCE
10 1/4“ high x 7” wide x 1“ deep
Provenance:
Private Collection
Private Collection, Switzerland
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
The purpose of decorated stone objects like this slab remains enigmatic, although they are often called "star charts." Their exact function is unknown, raising the possibility that they might be early forms of writing, roughly contemporary with cuneiform in Sumer and hieroglyphs in Egypt. Despite the limited number of scientific archaeological excavations of Valdivian sites, these artifacts have sparked considerable scholarly interest and numerous theories. This piece exemplifies the archaeological and cultural fascination surrounding the Valdivia people, whose contributions to early American history continue to be explored and appreciated. Similar Valdivian artifacts can be found in the Brooklyn Museum and the Museo de la Plata in Argentina.
Circa 3300 BCE
10 1/4“ high x 7” wide x 1“ deep
Provenance:
Private Collection
Private Collection, Switzerland
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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Specifications
| Period: | Ancient |
| Origin: | America |
| Type: | Other |
| Depth: | 1.0 in. (2.54 cm) |
| Width: | 7.0 in. (17.78 cm) |
| Height: | 10.25 in. (26.04 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
