Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Property from the Donald and Lucy Beldock Collection
Sicán Gold Mask, circa AD 900-1100
Lot Closed
November 21, 07:12 PM GMT
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Property from the Donald and Lucy Beldock Collection
Sicán Gold Mask
circa AD 900-1100
Width: 11 ⅜ in (28.9 cm)
André Emmerich, New York, acquired from the above in December 1966 (inv. no. A380)
Donald and Lucy Beldock, New York, acquired from the above in December 1968
The stylized face of the “Sicán lord” is an iconic image best known from their consistent portrayal on such masks and as seen on cylinder beakers. Here the lively upturned comma-shaped eyes are carefully rimmed for emphasis, the nose is finely sculpted in repoussé and the checks are gracefully outlined, indicating age. The mouth is a straight short line, and ear flanges show circular ornaments at the base.
The Sicán had a prolific metallurgy tradition based on techniques refined by the earlier Moche people. Some Sicán masks were adorned with gem-tipped stalks from the eyes, circular dangles, and deep red cinnabar pigment. While such embellishments may vanish, the essential elements of the Sican lord's face are finely portrayed in this example.