The objects that we now call pre-Hispanic art were created by the cultures of America before the first encounter with the Europeans in 1492.  Many of these cultures had already disappeared by that date and were not discovered until the modern era, but it is known that the first completely developed cultures date back to approximately 2000 B.C., if not before.  These objects exemplify the creative genius of artists and artisans with very varied purposes and styles that by centuries contributed to their cultural definition.  Then, how can we define pre-Hispanic art when it has been created during centuries by so diverse and distant cultures?  How to differentiate a true work of art from a mere artifact?

When it comes to pre-Hispanic art, as much as many other art classifications such as the so-called “tribal” or “primitive”, we must forget about western concepts of our current points of views, and observe it with cultural connotations for which such objects were created.  Pre-Hispanic cultures were animists; therefore, the fundamentals of every object were the spirit.  Everything else applied to the object was to reaffirm its purpose and essence.

Under these parameters, and for thousands of years, pre-Hispanic artists developed styles that defined them culturally by maintaining an iconographic link with past and future generations.  These artists took their artistic production to their highest expression with the technological advancements of the moment.  Nowadays, we infer vast information over their cultures thanks to the legacy of thousands of anonymous artists.

Out of this vast production that survives to this day, it is worth to mention that many qualify as excellent pieces of art.  Masterpieces of pre-Hispanic art adorn the best collections of the great museums of the world.  Also, a large number of works of art with great cultural, aesthetic and monetary value are in private hands.  Then, what makes a piece of pre-Hispanic art so valuable?  How do we select works of art to offer to the public?

We only select those works of art that comply with our mission to offer pieces of unequalled aesthetic value.  We also consider the technical quality, conservation state, rarity and the iconographic representation of the culture it represents.

PREHISPANICO.COM only selects those works of art that go through a rigorous certification process by recognized independent experts.  All the pieces include a certificate of authenticity as a guarantee. As memebers of AADLA and CINOA we are held to a strict code of ethics that guarantees the authenticity and quality of your purchase.

We offer services that qualify your purchase.  We give our clientele guidance in the purchase of any object at the time of developing a project.  We work with architects and interior designers in order to coordinate the most appropriate surroundings for the works of art.  We also offer consulting services in art collection and investment areas.