Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Mayan Territories, Late Classic period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A large, impressive stucco portrait head, depicting a fierce individual with huge eyes, a large nose, and a round headdress. Slight remains of red pigment are still visible on the headdress and lower part of the hanging earrings / headdress flaps that are on either side of the chin, reminding us that when first made, the face would have been fully painted with a variety of bright colors. This face must have once decorated a temple or public space. We know that some of these stucco heads represent ancestors and others represent gods and mythological figures. This one, with its abstract features, is probably a member of the Mayan religious pantheon. Size: 9.25" W x 17.65" H (23.5 cm x 44.8 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Modeled stucco, made from a lime-based plaster, was one of the major artistic innovations of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America. Mayan cities were covered in stucco, from architectural features like this head to floors, wall coatings, and free-standing sculptures. However, stucco was also relatively fragile, and after the downfall of the Mayan civilization, stucco artwork was often the first to degrade in the elements - meaning that finds like this one are rare.
Provenance: collection of the late Alfred E. Stendahl, Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired prior to 1990
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126390
Condition
Piece is a fragment, with losses around the edges; part of the nose is lost and there are small losses on the underside of the face, but much of the facial details remain. Three large cracks have been stabilized.