Central America, Guatemala, ca. early 20th century. A wonderful trio of hand-carved and hand-painted wooden dance masks, perhaps representing characters from the Dance of the Conquest. Each visage presents with skillfully delineated facial features, mustaches (one with a goatee as well), and thick coiffures. All have openwork eyes for the wearer to see surrounded by long eyelashes which are traditional to the culture. One that has maroon-colored skin displays a pair of perched green birds with red breasts and white details flanking its forehead. Together they make a fabulous ensemble! Size of largest: 7" W x 8.75" H (17.8 cm x 22.2 cm)
Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection, acquired by descent from the owner's father, acquired from 1950 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.
Replace:
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship Replace: most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage Replace: firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#136053
Condition
Pink mask with beard has stable fissure with repair/adhesive over break line on verso of beard and chin. Pink mask with no beard has stable fissure to base and verso of chin. Nose of maroon mask possibly repaired. Expected surface wear to all with light nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, all very nice with excellent remaining pigments and lovely patina.