Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An impressive mask of a characteristic angular form with boldly delineated facial features, carved from a beautiful sandstone of mottled caramel, butterscotch, toffee, and cream hues. Clearly created by an expert sculptor, this engaging mask's celt-shaped visage presents deep-set, almond-shaped, quixotic eyes surmounted by gracefully arched brows which lead to the curved bridge of a sizeable nose with delineated nostrils, above an open mouth. The mask's flanged ears were perforated so as to receive decorative ornaments that have vanished with the sands of time. In addition, bilateral perforations were drilled through the temples for suspension or attachment of additional ornamentation. A mesmerizing mask that was likely a prestige object when it was made and continues to be a beautiful piece of art! Size: 6.75" W x 7.75" H (17.1 cm x 19.7 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.

The sacred city of Teotihuacan ("the place where the gods were created") was at one time the largest city in the Pre-Columbian world. It was 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 (aka Temple of the Plumed Serpent) that punctuated the Avenue of the Dead.

Stone masks like this example are perhaps the best-known works of Teotihuacan art. According to scholars, they are believed to have been part of funerary furniture; however, no masks have been found in burial chambers. Instead, 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 godhood.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; Ex Colin Arundel collection, California, USA; ex Ian Arundel collection, California, USA, 1950-60’s

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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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#164495

Collection label on verso. Eye, mouth, and ear holes have been filled. Repaired from several pieces with break lines visible. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely earthen deposits.