Description:

**Previously Listed At 300**

Pre-Columbian, Guerrero Mexico, Chontal, ca. 500 BCE. A superb carved, mottled greenstone maskette from Guerrero, Mexico, a region best known for Mezcala and Chontal sculpture; however this example boasts one telling feature that is particular to the Sultepec - a very prominent large curved nose that makes for a marvelous profile. From the front, the piece presents expertly carved coffee bean shaped eyes, dramatically angled eyebeds, and slightly parted, perhaps smiling, full lips. Beyond these bold features, the visage shows more subtle modeling of the cheeks and facial contours and a crested coiffure. Scholars believe that large Chontal masks were tied to funerary bundles of the noble elite; however, this example being of a smaller size with double perforations behind the crown of the head was most likely used as an amulet. Custom stand. An exquisite example carved from a stunning greenstone of marvelous deep and pale green hues with a beautiful polished surface! Size: maskette measures 2.75" W x 3.5" H (7 cm x 8.9 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on stand.

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick collection, San Francisco, CA

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#117869

  • Condition: A few areas of encrustation on surface. Natural divets on backside intrinsic to original stone.

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March 27, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000