Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Chontal, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An expressive hand-carved mask made from a greenstone of rich hues. The face is stylized, a wide flat nose above an open mouth, drilled all the way through. The eyes feature rounded, slightly raised sockets, with holes drilled through the center. Atop the brow is a simple rounded headdress with incised lines and two suspension holes drilled through the corners. A fine and haunting example of this form! Size: 6.25" L x .375" W x 6.75" H (15.9 cm x 1 cm x 17.1 cm)
The Guerrero region of modern-day southwestern Mexico was the center of the Mezcala and Chontal stone carving traditions. While Mezcala artists are known for their abstract, geometric style, the Chontal sculptors imbued their artworks with more naturalism. Although their stonework stems from the Preclassic period, ca. 300 to 100 BCE, later Mesoamerican peoples clearly cherished Chontal portable sculptures as heirlooms. Chontal creations have been associated with Templo Mayor, the principle temple of the 15th century Aztecs of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).
What's more, legendary 20th century modernists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Miguel Covarrubias appreciated the minimalist qualities of Chontal art. Covarrubias went so far as to compare it to the Cycladic style of ancient Greece. Scholars believe that such masks as this example were tied to funerary bundles of the noble elite, and smaller scale masks may have been attached to clothing.
Please note: lucite stand in photographs is not included.
Provenance: private New York, USA collector from 1966
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#162118
Condition
Chip and abrasion to ack; surface abrasions, pitting, and chips to front commensurate with age. Light mineral deposits. Strung with modern wire for suspension.