Lot 1
Olmec regions. Middle Pre-classic period, ca. 900 - 550 B.C. Fine and elaborately carved tan brown limestone plaque pectoral mask depicting a shaman or god in transformation to a jaguar, having a wide snout type nose, parted snarling lips and a fanged mouth. Wearing a headband decorated with two incised jaguar heads, and having overall fine-line incised details and decorative elements. This mask probably represents the Olmec Maize God, the preeminent Olmec deity; he can be identified by his upturned lip. Two biconical drilled attachment holes at both the top and lower rims. Four deeply drilled dimples on his cheeks. Long tab type ears with incised fineline geometric decoration. Overall excellent ancient surface patina with scattered mineral deposits. Intact, overall exc. cond. A rare and beautiful example. Custom display base. Olmec means 'people from the rubber country'. This type of Olmec mask was worn around the neck as a pendant or on the belt or headdress. It may have provided the wearer with a new identity as an ancestor or deity. Size: 4-1/2"W. x 3-3/8"H.
Provenance: Private NYC. collection. Ex. Bruce Rogers Collection, San Francisco, CA., active 1950's to 1980's, then by inheritance to Gregory Wilcox-Rogers. Ex. Sotheby's, New York, Dec. 3rd, 1983, lot 105.
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