Description:

Latin America, Mexico, probably Michocacan or Guerrero State, ca. early 20th century CE. In Mexico, the strong bonds between human beings and animals really comes through in visual culture, particularly in masks like this example. Here we have an extraordinary mask, probably from the Guerrero region, in the form of a black bird with a pronounced beak and large human eyes, Two serpents that form brows and continue down each cheek, and a hungry looking jaguar with a long curled tail crawling upon the beak. According to Donald Cordry, in his "Mexican Masks" "‘In ancient Mexico the idea of the mystic unity of man and animals was widespread ... The Olmecs, for example, associated themselves with the jaguar and were “able” to transform themselves into men-jaguars and jaguar-men.’ The shaman - ‘a spiritual technician whose soul could travel to the spirit world and cause animal spirits to return to earth so that hunger and want could be averted’ - was held in very high regard in ancient Mexico." Size: 6.75" W x 11.25" H (17.1 cm x 28.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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#113219

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with minor paint loss as shown. Otherwise intact and excellent.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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