Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Guerrero region, Chontal, Late Preclassic period, ca. 300 to 100 BCE. An intriguing greenstone maskette boasting stylized features with ovoid eyes beneath short brows, a triangular nose, a narrow chin, and a down-turned mouth, all crowned by a unique, undulating coiffure. A pair of long ears flank the vizard, each pierced with an annular drill hope for strapping the mask to a face or object. The Guerrero region of modern-day southwestern Mexico was the center of the Chontal stone carving tradition. Chontal sculptors imbued their artworks with a greater sense of naturalism than to their Mezcala counterparts, though they still adhered to a minimalist aesthetic when creating anthropomorphic pieces. Size: 5.5" W x 4.3" H (14 cm x 10.9 cm); 9.8" H (24.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#175032

Chipping to upper part of right ear. Some small nicks and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and light earthen deposits in areas.