Pre-Columbian, Guerrero, Mexico, Chontal style, ca. 300 BCE. This is a green-brown stone mask with abstract, geometric facial features; the eyes are in the classic Chontal "coffee-bean" style and the nose and eyebrows are high ridges; they taper to a small mouth. This stone miniature mask, like many from this region, has its shape somewhat defined by the size of cobble that the artist found to create it. The top has a drilled hole for suspension. Sculptures like this one play with planes and depressions to create the impression of a face. These are created by drilling and sandstone abrasion to smooth the surface. We do not know what these heads represented, but because they are found in tombs, many researchers believe that they have something to do with the dead: their spirits, or a type of death mask. Gay and Pratt also suggest that they may have something to do with the Mezcala lunar religion -- perhaps they helped provide safe passage to the netherworld, which seems to have been located on the Moon. All proceeds from this item will go towards the benefit of 6 animal charities in Taos, NM. Size: 3.6" W x 3.25" H (9.1 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private K. Holkza collection via family descent from her sister, acquired in NYC before 1975

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#113963

Expected wear, but features are very clear.