Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1000 to 400 BCE. An arresting face panel or maskette carved from hard, semiprecious jadeite with gorgeous white inclusions created by the Olmec culture, the oldest major civilization in Mexico. The piece is expertly worked with graceful, subtle contours and displays signature Olmec traits including a jowly face, downturned jaguar mouth, and slanted eyes. The head is also pear-shaped, a sign of high status most likely due to an artificial cranial deformation, as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets. To the Olmecs, masks and maskettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. Bilaterally perforated for suspension or attachment. Size: 3" W x 3.75" H (7.6 cm x 9.5 cm)

All the proceeds from the sale of this piece will benefit six animal charities in Taos, New Mexico.

Provenance: Ex-private K. Holkza collection via family descent from her sister, acquired in New York, USA before 1975

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#113955

Intact and near choice if not choice.