Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala, ca. 500 to 200 BCE. A gorgeous face maskette, finely string-cut from an inherently beautiful dark greenstone with light green and russet striated inclusions. According to expert Carlo Gay, relatively few face panels or maskettes have been recorded compared to the number of carved stone figures; hence, this piece is quite rare. This visage displays traits of type M-22 and M-24. Gay writes that Mezcala works like these, "exemplify the result of the gradual changes undergone by the Mezcala style over a long period of time, and emphasize the subtle evolutionary process with a more descriptive form of sculpture." (Carlo Gay, Mezcala Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico. New York: Balsas Publications, 1992 p. 89) While type M-24 is quite similar to type M-22, a few minor details differentiate it, in this case that better defined mouth. What's more, there is also a subtle morphologic relationship between M-24 faces and those of Teotihuacan figural traditions with their triangular constructions and angularity. It is easy to admire this piece for its beauty, expert technique, and of course its rarity. Bilaterally perforated for suspension. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 2.375" W x 3" H (6 cm x 7.6 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on stand

All the proceeds from the sale of this piece will benefit six animal charities in Taos, New Mexico.

Provenance: Ex-private K. Holkza collection via family descent from her sister, acquired in New York, USA before 1975

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.

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#113960

  • Condition: Small nick to forehead ridge. Otherwise intact and excellent.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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