Lot 122
Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec to proto-Maya, Middle Formative period, ca. 900 to 300 BCE. Wow! An extraordinary serpentine mask of the rare half-mask form depicting a spider monkey. The fierce countenance is comprised of a projecting snout, a drawn back lip exposing the cut incisors and curved canines, and huge, hollowed eyes, intended to represent the hairless eyes of the spider monkey. Deeply incised spiraling striations scroll across the cheeks and brow, giving the impression of a central brow crest - a trait distinctive to the spider monkey. The nostrils are drilled with a pair of joined holes piercing the septum, which would have allowed for suspending lavish ornaments accentuating the dramatic presentation of the vizard. The elaborate carving of this mask gives it a highly animated quality. In both ancient and contemporary Mesoamerica, the spider monkey is identified with music, dance, clowning, and sexuality. Size: 3.9" L x 5.6" W x 4.9" H (9.9 cm x 14.2 cm x 12.4 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Across Mesoamerica, the spider monkey was an important subject for art and featured heavily in mythological scenes. Artists in the Postclassic period (ca. 9001521) showed monkeys in stone, ceramic, and gold. In Nahuatl, the monkey is called ozomatli and is the eleventh day sign of the ancient Aztec calendar.
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: private Espanola, New Mexico, USA collection, gifted via descent, from a collection acquired in 1971
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#183157
- Condition: Modern red pigment and modern polish / resurfacing in areas. Some light scratches, minor chipping to teeth, and 1 small chip on verso, but otherwise intact and choice. Impressively preserved with excellent presentation and light earthen deposits in areas.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |