A Sultepec Mask Mexico, c. 500-100 BC Carved from tecali, a pale greenish-gray translucent stone veined wi...

Description

A Sultepec Mask
Mexico, c. 500–100 BC

Carved from tecali, a pale greenish-gray translucent stone veined with white and polished to a smooth finish, this mask is distinguished above all by its extraordinary nose: exceptionally large, hatchet-shaped, and projecting forcefully from the plane of the face. The mouth is reduced to a small grooved line, allowing the dramatic central ridge of the nose to dominate the composition. The eyes retain their original circular shell inlays, ring-like in form and perforated at the center, still held in place by a hardened granular adhesive, likely a resinous substance. Perforations at the earlobes and sides of the forehead indicate attachment. The beauty of the stone itself contributes greatly to the effect, the pale semi-translucent body and white veining giving the mask a cool, misty luminosity. A remarkable example, notable for the boldness of its design and the rare survival of the original shell eyes. With a custom metal stand. In very good condition; with a softer mineral vein opened to a narrow fissure running diagonally across the reverse from the upper back to the proper right ear.

Provenance:
Purchased from Canacas Gems Gallery, 2010

Width: 6 ¼ inches

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000.

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