- 34
Olmec greenstone mask, Puebla region, Middle Preclassic, ca. 900-600 B.C.
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- stone
the squared face with wide open mouth and full lips, the broad cheeks curving into the oval recessed eyes, and nose with flared nostrils, with sharp brow and low forehead, the ear flanges pierced at the top and bottom, and pierced below the ears for attachment; in deep green serpentine.
Literature
Luis Aveleyra, Ramón Piña Chan, L'Art Precolombien, Olmèque, Maya, Aztèque, 1996, pg. 81
Condition
Excellent, intact, lovely deep color , some remains of encrustation in recessed areas.
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
Olmec stone masks shows variations of the Preclassic style; here the mouth is dominant and the head stylized by the flattened base and top. Early Teotihuacan and Guerrero serpentine figures and masks also show this form, see Mexique, Terre des Dieux (1998:129, fig. 133).