Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1000 to 400 BCE. A mesmerizing maskette carved from a beautiful greenstone with black and golden inclusions created by the Olmec, the oldest major civilization in Mexico, expertly worked with graceful, subtle contours and signature Olmec traits including a jowly face, downturned jaguar mouth, and slanted eyes. The upper section of his head, protruding above a fringe of bangs, is artificially shaped, a sign of high status due to cranial deformation, as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets. The maskette is presented in a modern 14 karat gold setting. Size: maskette measures 1.375" L x 1.125" W (3.5 cm x 2.9 cm); US ring size: 9.5

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#134794

Ancient Olmec maskette is in excellent condition. There are twin perforations at its upper end, presumably for former suspension. Set in a modern 14K gold setting.