Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina or Chile, Alamito / Mapuche Culture, ca. 700 to 1500 CE. If ever there was a mask that captured the element of surprise, this one just might be it. A very rare, finely carved stone maskette of brown hues, depicting an abstract visage comprised of openwork, circular eyes and mouth, a protruding straight nose and browline, and five perforations around the upper section presumably for attachment. Stone masks created by the Alamito and the Mapuche are believed to have been funerary in intent; however, small maskettes like this example may have been used in healing rituals. A fabulous example from this ancient culture that to the modern eye communicates so much - an aha moment of revelation, an eye opener, and for those who are familiar, Mr. Bill's famous catchphrase "OHHHH NOOOO!" Size: 3.875" W x 4.625" H (9.8 cm x 11.7 cm)
Please note: it is very difficult to decipher between Mapuche and Alamito masks, since Alamito (400 BCE - 700 CE) was an earlier variant of Mapuche (1200-1700 CE). This mask is more consistent with Alamito; however, the Mapuche did continue this tradition. Given this, we believe it to be an Alamito/ Mapuche transitional example, ca. 700 to 1500 CE.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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#156087
Condition
Minor chipping to exterior, else intact and excellent.