Lot 60A
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An exemplary stone mask depicting the youthful and serene personage epitomizing the Teotihuacan ideal, complete with mother of pearl and black stone inlays as the eyes and teeth! The impressive vizard displays a characteristic angular form with boldly delineated facial features of full parted lips, a gently curved philtrum, aquiline nose, and gracefully arched brows above heavy lidded eyes. This haunting vizard is from the sacred city of Teotihuacan or "the place where the gods were created," which was at one time the largest city in the Pre-Columbian world, famous for its pyramids - Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon - as well as the Great Compound with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl or Temple of the Plumed Serpent punctuating the Avenue of the Dead. Clearly created by an expert sculptor, this engaging mask's evocative visage is unique in its inclusion of black stone to represent the teeth! A truly remarkable example! Size: 7" W x 7.9" H (17.8 cm x 20.1 cm); 10.3" H (26.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The mask's flanged ears were perforated so as to receive decorative ornaments that have vanished with the sands of time. Bilateral perforations were drilled through the lower sides and upper corners to allow for suspension or attachment. The weathered surface shows remnants of the carvers work and evidences its journey through time and space. A mesmerizing mask that was likely a prestige object when it was made and continues to be a beautiful piece of art!
Stone masks like this example are perhaps the best known works of Teotihuacan art. Archaeologists have discovered them in the vicinity of temples and complexes along the Avenue of the Dead. Some speculate that they may have been attached to wooden armatures in temples to represent deities on their journey to achieving god-hood.
Stone masks exhibiting a similar texture can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 1979.206.527 and the British Museum under museum number Am1994,Q.1.
Provenance: private Espanola, New Mexico, USA collection, gifted via descent, from a collection acquired in 1971
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#175726
- Condition: A fabulous mask, impressive for its mesmerizing visage as well as the inherently beautiful stone - rich with striking hues and gorgeous veining. Expected surface wear with chips, nicks, and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with incredible preservation of inlays and ample remaining detail.
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