Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec to Maya cultures, ca. 500 BCE to 500 CE. A hand-carved stone mask of grand form depicting a stylized jaguar in all of its ferocity. The majestic feline features a mouth full of incised teeth with 4 emphasized canine teeth, thick jowls, spiraling nostrils incised in front of a squat but powerful snout, and a pair of huge orbitals, all beneath a pair of cupped, short-cropped ears. A pair of drilled suspension holes on the temples enabled this mask to be worn, perhaps with ceremonial or ritual connotations. Size: 3.75" L x 6.25" W x 6.75" H (9.5 cm x 15.9 cm x 17.1 cm)
Known as the "king of beasts" in the Pre-Columbian world and infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature and inspire respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were associated with strength and leadership, whether regarding spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector. According to a dramatic narrative in the Popol Vuh, the protective hero twin Xbalanque, possessing a zoomorphic phenotype with jaguar skin, fought the monster macaw Vucub Caquix with his twin Hunahpu, and the hero twins defeated the monster.
Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-Dr. Jose Medina (1926-2007) collection, Florida, USA, acquired in the 1960s to 1970s
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#179731
Condition
Repair to both canine teeth as well as mandible in a few places along both sides, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Light abrasions and expected pitting, otherwise in excellent condition. Wonderful preservation to finer details, and great surface smoothness.