- 12
Sicán gold mask, ca. A.D. 900-1200
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- gold
the sheet face with characteristic almond-shaped eyes and narrow straight mouth, adorned by flanges decorated with cut-out 'falling' figures with large crested headdress, feline heads on the earring roundels, and with various danglers; the eyes and beneath the nose pierced for once attached elements, with remains of staining and some red pigment.
Provenance
Alan Lapiner (Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, sale 3281, December 4, 1971, lot 98, illus.)
Condition
Overall very good, face appears intact, some remains of cinnabar pigment and faint textile impresssions, some small tears on right feline head off earring.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Cf. For a mask with similar nose and cut-out ear flanges, see Oro del Antiguo Peru 1992:260, fig. 240.The posture of the 'falling' figures is seen on Proto-Nasca and Necropolis textiles, Sawyer (1997:93) suggests they are shamanic figures.