Extremely Rare Olmec Terracotta Mask, TL Tested
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Olmec, ca. 1200 to 400 BCE. An extremely rare Olmec mold-made terracotta mask presenting an archaic visage comprised of almond-shaped eyes with openwork irises, a finely ridged browline leading to a perky nose with delineated nostrils and septum, tab ears pierced for the suspension of ornaments, an open were-jaguar mouth with protruding lips and a single tooth at the center. The mask also presents liberal mineral deposits throughout. Size: 5.75" W x 6.25" H (14.6 cm x 15.9 cm); 8.125" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.
The Olmec resided in the Gulf Coast area of what we now call Mexico in sites known as San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes, Laguna de los Cerros and La Venta from approximately 1200 to 400 BCE. Olmec art includes many were-jaguar images inspired by their religion. According to scholars, the Olmecs believed that a union between a jaguar and a woman created an earlier race of were-jaguars. While most surviving Olmec art was carved from greenstone and jade, occasionally we see a modeled terracotta piece like this example, but terracotta works are quite rare.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Fred Leighton collection, New York, New York, USA, a famous Madison Avenue jeweler; ex-Alexander Alcevedo collection, New York, New York, USA, a famous American Paintings Dealer
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#148318 Dimensions: Condition Report: Repaired from approximately a half dozen pieces with restoration at the break lines. Expected surface wear with abrasions/losses to nose and other high-pointed areas commensurate with age. Nice traces of red pigment and white calcium-rich deposits grace the surface. Scattered mineral deposits as well. Perforation at top center.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Olmec, ca. 1200 to 400 BCE. An extremely rare Olmec mold-made terracotta mask presenting an archaic visage comprised of almond-shaped eyes with openwork irises, a finely ridged browline leading to a perky nose with delineated nostrils and septum, tab ears pierced for the suspension of ornaments, an open were-jaguar mouth with protruding lips and a single tooth at the center. The mask also presents liberal mineral deposits throughout. Size: 5.75" W x 6.25" H (14.6 cm x 15.9 cm); 8.125" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.
The Olmec resided in the Gulf Coast area of what we now call Mexico in sites known as San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes, Laguna de los Cerros and La Venta from approximately 1200 to 400 BCE. Olmec art includes many were-jaguar images inspired by their religion. According to scholars, the Olmecs believed that a union between a jaguar and a woman created an earlier race of were-jaguars. While most surviving Olmec art was carved from greenstone and jade, occasionally we see a modeled terracotta piece like this example, but terracotta works are quite rare.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Fred Leighton collection, New York, New York, USA, a famous Madison Avenue jeweler; ex-Alexander Alcevedo collection, New York, New York, USA, a famous American Paintings Dealer
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#148318 Dimensions: Condition Report: Repaired from approximately a half dozen pieces with restoration at the break lines. Expected surface wear with abrasions/losses to nose and other high-pointed areas commensurate with age. Nice traces of red pigment and white calcium-rich deposits grace the surface. Scattered mineral deposits as well. Perforation at top center.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
