Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche culture, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A finely carved stone maskette of mottled brown and beige hues with faint traces of original red pigment across the obverse side. The mysterious mask depicts an abstract visage comprised of openwork, circular eyes and mouth, thick brows which taper inward to form the slender nose, rounded cheeks and chin, and a smooth forehead, with two perforations along the temples for attachment. Stone masks created by the Mapuche are believed to have funerary contexts; however, smaller masks like this example may have been used in healing rituals. Size: 4.1" W x 5.875" H (10.4 cm x 14.9 cm).
Interestingly, the Mapuche managed to resist countless attempts by the Inca to subjugate them, despite what scholars have surmised to be a lack of communal organization. In addition, they successfully fought the Spaniards for more than 300 years. Historians have demonstrated that the Spaniard's initial conquests in the late 16th century were actually reversed by the Mapuche. Apparently, the Mapuche were so intimidating that Europeans would not return to certain areas until the late 19th century.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection
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#146749
Condition
Repairs to exterior borders of both holes near temples, with light restoration and resurfacing over break lines. Minor abrasions to face, peripheries, and verso, with fading to original red pigmentation, and small nicks to nose and verso. Light earthen deposits throughout.