GIBEON METEORITE
— TABLETOP SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE
Iron, fine octahedrite
Gibeon, Great Nama Land, Namibia
Recovered by Namibian tribesmen, the shape
of this striking iron meteorite is largely due to terrestrialization
(exposure to the elements) over thousands of years. The dramatic hollow
in the center of this specimen is the result of water having collected
in what was previously a shallow depression. This smooth concavity is
in a stark yet artful contrast with the animated ridges and scoops that
surround it. The seemingly flattened edges seen here are where this
meteorite split along crystalline planes. (If cut, this meteorite’s
internal crystalline structure would be identical to the crystalline
pattern seen in lot 24.) Both elegant and abstract, and accentuated
by a muted earth-tone patina, this singular tabletop sculpture from
outer space is accompanied by a custom armature and a Macovich Collection
provenance. 311 x 335 x 157mm (12.25 x 13.25 x 6 inches) and 37.58
kilograms (83 pounds).
Estimate: $16,000 – 20,000 |