**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche Culture, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. An evocative maskette, hand-carved from stone with simplistic yet haunting characteristics: ovoid, openwork eyes, a flared, rectangular nose, and a gaping mouth. Stone masks created by the Alamito and the Mapuche are believed to have been funerary in intent; however, small maskettes like this example may have been used in healing rituals. A fabulous example from this ancient culture that to the modern eye communicates so much - an aha moment of revelation and an eye opener indeed! Size: 5" W x 7.5" H (12.7 cm x 19 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Interestingly, the Mapuche managed to resist countless attempts by the Inca to subjugate them, despite what scholars have surmised to be a lack of communal organization. In addition, they successfully fought the Spaniards for more than 300 years. Historians have demonstrated that the Spaniard's initial conquests in the late 16th century were actually reversed by the Mapuche. Apparently, the Mapuche were so intimidating that Europeans would not return to certain areas until the late 19th century.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Colin Arundel collection, California, USA

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#178359

Some nicks and expected age wear to surface with minor chips around eyes and mouth, but otherwise intact with smooth surfaces and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.