Description:

Pre-Columbian, Maya, Classic period, ca. 500 to 900 CE. An expressive Maya greenstone mask, skillfully carved, pecked, and string-cut into a grimacing skull-like face - the skin gaunt revealing teeth and arched nose. The circular eyes are deeply bored suggesting they were once inlaid with another stone or shell to contrast with the green surface. The verso is concave as if this was a miniature mask, and likely served as a prototype for the famous Maya masks used in royal burials during the classic period. Size: 2.5" L x 2" W (6.4 cm x 5.1 cm)

The Maya coveted finely carved green stone articles such as this mask, as they were believed to emphasize the elite rank of individuals wearing them. By the time of the Classic period, Maya green stone objects and beads were highly valued. One primary reason for their treasured status was that these green stones were the same color as sprouting maize, and hence represented both earthly life and eternal life of the spirits. Sacred Maya green stone objects were oftentimes passed from generation to generation in addition to being used as grave offerings and placed in sacrificial caches.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174969

  • Condition: Surface abrasions and nicks, and scratches to forehead. Light mineral and earthen deposits in recessed areas.

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November 17, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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