Description:

Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A hand-carved iron ore maskette, with a deep groove creating a headdress, incised eyes and nose, and slightly inset mouth. On the back of the maskette, deep grooves where the eyes are form a loop for suspension - so that this item could be sewn onto clothing or worn on a cord around the neck. The mask seems to be symbolic of the face in death. Size: 1.7" W x 2.35" H (4.3 cm x 6 cm)

The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far north-east, in what is modern-day Liaoning province and Inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites. Excavations of their temples and tombs have revealed carved stone objects like this one in elite tombs.

Provenance: private Missouri, USA collection, acquired 1965 - 1970s

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#137405

  • Condition: Small scratches and pits on surface commensurate with age. Excellent preservation of detail.

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August 2, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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