Valdivia Stone Figure

Andre Blieck, Brussels, acquired in the 1980s

Lin and Emile Deletaille, Brussels, acquired from the above in 1998 

Thence by descent

Ancient stone steles from Ecuador are probably idols that were used in ritual contexts. While each stele is unique, there are some common characteristics: they are always made from grey-green sandstone, and they are fairly uniform in their block-like, cubistic form with recessed grooves.

The anthropomorphic idols are often considered to be shamans, and their sunken faces are thought to allude to highly stylized owls.