Lot 119

14th C. Philippines Gold Sheet Funerary Face Mask

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14th C. Philippines Gold Sheet Funerary Face Mask

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,500

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mindanao, Butuan region, Visayan culture, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A remarkable funerary mask crafted from four separate gold sheets, the thin panels cut into a diadem-headband, eyes, and a mouth. The pieces are mounted in a frame and ready to display. Gold coverings were believed to protect the deceased from evil spirits entering the facial orifices - the shiny surface deflecting these malevolent forces. Placing face masks over the orifices was perhaps ultimately meant to prevent possession and the potential return of the deceased to the home. These ornamental masks protected the living as much as they honored the deceased. Size of headband: 5.75" L x 1.2" W (14.6 cm x 3 cm); frame: 11.5" L x 9.5" W (29.2 cm x 24.1 cm): gold quality: 84.9% to 89.5% (equivalent to 20K+ to 21K+)

Provenance: private San Rafael, California, USA collection; acquired in 1998 from private Makati, Philippines collection

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.

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#189526

  • Condition: Each piece is mounted with brass rivets to a velvet backing in a wood frame under glass. The backing is only held in place with tape. Creases and tears to the peripheries. Some toning and patina. Overall great condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000