Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala, late Preclassic period, ca. 700 to 200 BCE. Skillfully carved from serpentine, an anthropomorphic mask of an impressively large size. Millennia before modern artists represented humans with minimalist geometric motifs, the Mezcala of Guerrero, coastal southwestern Mexico, were similarly creating abstract depictions of humans with their sculptural works like this example. The features were achieved via sophisticated carving and string cutting techniques. Also interesting, in Mesoamerica, greenstone like the serpentine used to create this mask, was considered more valuable than gold! Size: 7.5" L x 5.5" W (19 cm x 14 cm)

Please note: Lucite stand used for photography is not included.

Provenance: Ex-old private New England collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex Andre Emmerich Gallery, New York City, New York, USA ca 1955-1960; ex private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection, 1950s - 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162454

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with pitting and abrasions commensurate with age. Softening to features, but imagery is still discernible. Ample remains of red pigment. Concave verso is smooth and lustrous. Mineral, earthen, and dendritic deposits grace the surface. Andrew Emmerich Gallery label on verso.

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August 10, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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