Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Huari (Wari), ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A skillfully carved wooden "false mummy head" mask with an expressive visage that is embellished with a thick layer of cinnabar lacquer. The visage presents with a high relief pronounced nose, incised large almond shaped eyes, and slightly parted lips, a square jaw, and a high integral headdress or coiffure. Wood shows wonderful evidence of its age, and incredibly, this mask is still accompanied by cord once used for attachment threaded through perforations on verso. A wonderful Huari/Wari mask that is particularly impressive for its dramatic expression and well-preserved form. Size: 4.125" L x 5.25" W x 8.875" H (10.5 cm x 13.3 cm x 22.5 cm); 12.125" H (30.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Burials discovered all along the arid coast of Peru indicate that the deceased were accompanied by offerings of ceramics, garments, featherwork, precious metals and wood. A mask or false head was ritualistically placed over the mummy bundle. Due to the dry climate, even artifacts made of wood and textile have been discovered in remarkable condition.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950-1960s

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#163041

Losses to peripheries of head/headdress. Age crack to left of nose. Nice tool marks from carving. Expected surface wear with nicks and abraded areas commensurate with age. Fading to pigmentation of eyes. Nice lustrous patina to the visage. Amazingly, accompanied by cord used for attachment on verso.