** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 250 to 450 CE. An outstanding maskette of nearly symmetrical form and expert stylization that is hand-carved from sage green omphacite jade bearing mottled inclusions in hues of cream and grassy green as well as integral dark gray veining. The expressive vizard features meticulously drilled details including ovoid, double-pupil eyes, a petite nose with delineated nostrils, bulging cheek bones above tapered cheeks, a gaping mouth with delineated lips, and tab-shaped ears with biconically drilled perforations on the earlobes. A pair of additional drilled suspension holes near the gently convex brow enabled its suspension or attachment, perhaps as a pendant or funerary ornament, and cinnabar pigment accentuates each drilled area with an attractive pop of color that contrasts nicely against the verdant stone. The concave verso indicates this maskette was not intended to be worn and seen through; therefore, it was likely intended for the dead. Size: 3.7" W x 3.8" H (9.4 cm x 9.7 cm)

Jade masks like this example are perhaps the best-known works of Teotihuacan art. Archaeologists have discovered them in the vicinity of temples and complexes along the Avenue of the Dead. Some speculate that they may have been attached to wooden armatures in temples to represent deities on their journey to achieving god-hood.

Cf. The British Museum, museum number Am1849,0629.5 as well as the Vilcek Foundation, accession number 2005.13.1

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169246

Minor abrasions across some surfaces and light fading to cinnabar pigment, otherwise intact and choice. Fantastic preservation to surfaces and overall form, with nice remains of cinnabar within eyes, nose, earlobe perforations, drilled suspension holes near brow, and mouth.