Southeast Asia, Philippines, Western Visayas, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A remarkable face covering known as an oton, made from 80% to 82% gold (equivalent to 19K+) sheets, cut, and punched with linear patterns, made as a funerary mask during pre-Spanish Colonial times! Otans were believed to protect the deceased from evil spirits entering the facial orifices, the shiny surface reflecting and deflecting these forces, the gold also denoted rank and status for the afterlife. Size of eye section: 4.5" L x 1" W (11.4 cm x 2.5 cm); acrylic base: 5" L x 5.6" W x 1.65" H (12.7 cm x 14.2 cm x 4.2 cm); gold quality: 80% to 82% (equivalent to 19K+); weight: 4.6 grams

Provenance: private Southbend collection, Indiana, USA, inherited from a friend, acquired before 2010

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#178633

Nose and mouth piece and eye piece are all separate and on an acrylic stand. Tearing and bending to pieces, areas of dark patina and toning. Tears to protruding tabs and a few losses to tips. Overall good condition.