Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche Culture, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. If ever there was a mask that captured the element of surprise, this one is it! A remarkably rare mask, finely carved from stone of charcoal gray with scattered caramel brown-hued deposits throughout. Presenting an ovoid form, the hefty vizard exhibits an abstract visage with a projecting, rectangular brow above haunting, openwork eyes of annular form, a protruding, straight nose that connects to the brow, and a perforated, circular mouth. A series of 9 piercings line the top and side peripheries, presumably for attachment. 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: 4.3" W x 5.7" H (10.9 cm x 14.5 cm); 9.3" H (23.6 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 southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, 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.

#159932

Two minor repairs to chin, both with break lines visible. Some chipping to peripheries and slight roughness to nose, brow, and cheeks. Otherwise, excellent with nice deposits.