Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guerrero, Mexico, Mezcala ca. 300 BCE. This is a serpentine greenstone face plate with a head shaped into an almost alien look -- enormous forehead, narrow chin, and flat, triangular nose, accentuated by deep ovoid eyes. The sides have two drilled holes for suspension. This particular example looks like type M-24, which is described by Gay and Pratt (see below). We do not know what these heads represented, but because they are found in tombs, many researchers believe that they have something to do with the dead: their spirits, or a type of death mask. Gay and Pratt also suggest that they may have something to do with the Mezcala lunar religion - perhaps they helped provide safe passage to the netherworld, which seems to have been located on the Moon. All proceeds from this item will go towards the benefit of 6 animal charities in Taos, NM. Size: 3.1" W x 3.75" H (7.9 cm x 9.5 cm)

cf, Gay, C. and Pratt, F. 1992 Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, Balsas Publication, Switzerland.

Provenance: Ex - Private K. Holkza collection via family descent from her sister, acquired in NYC before 1975

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#113989

  • Condition: Expected age wear, with clear features.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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