Description:

Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mindanao, Butuan region, Visayan culture, ca. 10th to 16th century CE. A remarkable funerary mask crafted from three separate electrum sheets. These thin gold-silver sheets were cut, stippled, and incised with linear patterns. The mask features eyes connected to the nose, with lips and teeth below, and an upper crown or headband. Gold coverings were believed to protect the deceased from evil spirits entering the facial orifices - the shiny surface deflecting these malevolent forces. Placing face masks over the orifices was perhaps ultimately meant to prevent possession and the potential return of the deceased to the home. These ornamental masks protected the living as much as they honored the deceased. Size of crown: 7.2" L x 1.5" W (18.3 cm x 3.8 cm); mouth: 3.5" L x 1.25" W (8.9 cm x 3.2 cm); gold quality: 61.7% to 63% (equivalent to 14K+ to 15K+); silver quality: 33.9% to 35.5%; total weight: 15.9 grams.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

    Provenance:
  • private San Rafael, California, USA collection, acquired in 2001
  • Condition:
  • Staining to gold ssurface from centuries of burial. Minor tears and creases but intact and quite excellent.

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November 15, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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