A Magnificent Olmec Mask...

Description

A Magnificent Olmec Mask
Gulf Coast, Mexico, c. 1200-400 BC

Slightly larger-than-life face with open eyes carved from speckled green jade with a high polish. The youthful visage has a pleasant but neutral expression, the lips parted showing upper teeth. The brow softly tapers from about a ¼ inch depth at the nose bridge to become flush with forehead. An incised line above the eyes indicates the eyelid. The nostrils are drilled through, as well as the earlobes and a hole at each lower side and top of head. In good condition, clean repaired break lines throughout. With a custom metal stand.

Provenance:
Gifted to the actress Merle Oberon in 1956. Ms. Oberon was married to Bruno Pagliai, an Italian born Mexican industrialist. They lived for many years in Cuernavaca and Acapulco, Mexico.

Height: 9 inches

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