**Originally Listed At $900**
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A mesmerizing portrait mask in terracotta with an attractive bi-chrome finish. The visage is skillfully delineated in low to high relief with large almond-shaped eyes, a very naturalistic nose, pursed lips framed by nasolabial folds, full cheeks, a rounded chin, symmetrically placed ears, and a wide-brimmed hat or helmet. There are numerous tiny perforations along the brim which likely once held feathers or other ornaments. Two perforations above the ears were used for attachment. The mask was beautifully burnished and creamy white pigment was used to highlight the eyes, creating a nice contrast with the orangeware. This mask is likely a portrait of an important member of Moche society depicted as a young man. The Moche are known for their portrait vessels portraying the same individual at different stages of life, but terracotta masks are less common. One cannot help but wonder whom this mask was intended to represent. Size: 8.25" W x 7.375" H (21 cm x 18.7 cm); 13.25" H (33.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s
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.
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 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 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 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.
#148475
Condition
Professionally repaired from several pieces with restoration over the break lines. Nicks to the peripheries and area of abrasion to the rim.