A Toltec Mask...

Description

A Toltec Mask
Mexico, c. 900-1200 AD

Polished black obsidian with a mirror-like finish, the eyes inlaid with shell and obsidian pupils. The mouth carved in a long oval pecked and drilled for inlay of stone or shell, now missing. Conical drill holes at temples for attachment. In good condition, a 1-inch chip off the proper right side of the chin. Mounted to a custom metal base.

Provenance:
Sotheby's New York, Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, May 19, 2001, lot 519
A Private Collection, Switzerland

Height: 5 ¼ inches

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