Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A hand-carved greenstone mask replete with verdant hues and expertly-formed physiognomy. Jowly cheeks, puffy eyelids, double-pupil eyes, flared nostrils, and full, downturned lips all comprise the classic Olmec presentation, and perforations to both ear lobes suggest additional ornamentation was present at one time. A pair of biconically drilled holes above the temples shows how it would be suspended when worn. A fabulous example in which the blending of both lifelike relatively naturalistic and contrasting abstract representation is simply mesmerizing. Size: 1.875" W x 1.8" H (4.8 cm x 4.6 cm)

To the Olmecs, masks and maskettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. In addition, notice that the fleshy, bilaterally symmetrical lips are slightly open so as to reveal the toothless gums of a youthful person, and there is a raised cleft. According to scholars, this was the Olmec symbol for corn or maize, which was a crop of such sublime significance to ancient Mexico that it took on religious import from a very early date. A remarkable example, impressive for the artisan's adept carving technique, an indisputable penchant for refined artistry, the inherent beauty of this stone, and the meaningful iconography of the form.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#175074

  • Condition: Repaired across face with light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions commensurate with age, otherwise in excellent condition. Great surface smoothness and nice preservation to facial features.

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October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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