Mask representing a human face This one is particularly... Lot 8

Mask representing a human face This one is particularly strikingly realistic. The wide face has high and prominent cheekbones. The eyes and mouth are pierced as on the Olmec masks, but the fullness of the features and the almond-shaped eyes are characteristic of the Maya beauty criteria. The gums are visible. Holes on the sides of the skull indicate that it must have been worn or suspended from a carving. The tradition of full-size stone masks goes back to the Olmecs. These objects with votive vocation, continue to the classical period and make the fame of artists of Teotihuacan. The Maya kept this knowledge through the masks and developed the work of mosaic for the largest. Stone masks of this size in a single block are much rarer and the presence of this one makes it an exceptional example. Green mica-schist with brown patina Maya culture, Mexico 100 - 450 AD H. 19 - L. 17.5 cm Provenance: - Private collection of a physicist, Florida, acquired in 2003. - Private collection, France. A microanalysis test by the MSMAP Laboratory will be given to the buyer.