Description:

Pre-Columbian, Teotihuacan, ca. 100 to 900 CE. A mask, carved of a creamy grey stone with large crystals, with large hollowed out eyes, a hat or headdress atop its head, a wide nose and a pouting mouth; holes for suspension have been drilled in both sides of the head above the ears. The eyes may once have had inlays. The features of this mask call to mind the abstract artwork of the Mezcala, whose relationship with Teotihuacan is unclear but certain. Outside the grave, the dead were sometimes represented in art merely by a mask, or a mask set upon a small pyramid. Masks from this place and period are on display in many museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museo de America in Madrid, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum. Of added interest, among the white quartz crystals is a natural band of green crystaline structures that have the distinct appearance of emeralds, but this has not been tested to confirm. Natural emeralds do occur in regions of Mexico. Size: 4" W x 5.2" H (10.2 cm x 13.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick Collection, San Fran, CA

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#117380

  • Condition: Expected wear, but features are clear. Surface eroded due to exposure to moist soil.

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October 10, 2016 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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