Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A gorgeous maskette of a petite size that is hand-carved from mottled greenstone of sage and pistachio hues with inclusions of forest green and khaki. The ovoid vizard features string-cut grooves to delineate the recessed eyes and protruding mouth and bears a prominent nose with a flat tip, gently tapered cheeks above a rounded chin, a lightly furrowed brow with deeply carved tear ducts, and tab-shaped ears, all beneath a bulky brow. A biconically drilled suspension hole is centered atop the brow and indicates that this maskette was perhaps worn as a pendant or as funerary ornamentation. Size: 1.625" W x 2" H (4.1 cm x 5.1 cm); 2.9" H (7.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The value of greenstone for ancient Mesoamericans lay in its symbolic power: its color was associated with water and vegetation, and the renewal of the agricultural cycle. It was also believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul.

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.

#169249

Minor abrasions to obverse, peripheries, and verso, with very light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful definition to facial features and nice surface smoothness throughout.