Description:

Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mindanao, Butuan region, Visayan culture, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A remarkable funerary mask crafted from four separate gold sheets, the thin panels cut into a diadem-headband, eyes, and a mouth. The pieces are mounted in a frame and ready to display. Gold coverings were believed to protect the deceased from evil spirits entering the facial orifices - the shiny surface deflecting these malevolent forces. Placing face masks over the orifices was perhaps ultimately meant to prevent possession and the potential return of the deceased to the home. These ornamental masks protected the living as much as they honored the deceased. Size of headband: 5.75" L x 1.2" W (14.6 cm x 3 cm); frame: 11.5" L x 9.5" W (29.2 cm x 24.1 cm): gold quality: 84.9% to 89.5% (equivalent to 20K+ to 21K+)

Provenance: private San Rafael, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#189526

  • Condition: Each piece is mounted with brass rivets to a velvet backing in a wood frame under glass. The backing is only held in place with tape. Creases and tears to the peripheries. Some toning and patina. Overall great condition.

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American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000