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. Indentations in the stone create additional characteristics, such as arched brows, cheekbones, and forehead creases - all which also resemble a helmet. 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: 5.75" W x 7.75" H (14.6 cm x 19.7 cm); 9" H (22.9 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, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#180727

Expected nicks and abrasions to peripheries as shown, but otherwise, intact and excellent.