Lot 88E
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. This is an oval burnished brownware terracotta face mask with stylized eyes, recessed mouth, and large protruding thin nose. The surface of the mask has rather lustrous vertical burnishing marks which give it a smooth, even appearance. There are multiple small piercings, perhaps for attaching perishable decoration at some point in the past. The Colima culture, part of the West Mexican shaft tomb tradition, is known today almost exclusively for its small clay figures that were placed inside of deep shaft tombs. In very rare instances, masks like this were also placed inside of tombs -- interpreted by archaeologists as belonging to elites. These special objects were made of materials that had often been traded over long distances. These rare Colima masks are known for their round eyes and small mouths, as well as the T-shape created by raised eyebrows and nose. Size: 3" L x 7" W x 8.75" H (7.6 cm x 17.8 cm x 22.2 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#125113
- Condition: Surface wear and scratches commensurate with age, earthen deposits in and minor losses to eyes and ear holes, and minor pigmentation fading. Fantastic root marks and manganese deposits.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |