Pre-Columbian Olmec Stone Mask

Cut from a sheet of silver with repoussé pellets for eyes and skin texture; four short legs each with a circular perforation for attachment; probably Vicús Culture with Moche influence. 0.77 grams, 41 mm



André Lorenceau (b.1930-d.2019), Baselland; collected between 1960s-2000. Since then in the family. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hollow-formed janiform mask with possibly later shell inlays to the eyes and grimacing mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand. 305 grams total, figure: 60 mm wide (17.3 cm including stand)



Wally and Brenda Zollman, Indianapolis; acquired prior to 1989. Splendours of the World (Jerry Bock), New York, USA. Acquired from the above at a New York fair by the present owner, circa 2017. Part of the Zollman Collection which was published by the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 1989. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12892-237876. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This striking and fine example of Moche metalwork shows the feline deity with threatening snarl and teeth finely carved in shell. This fine and powerful example would have been made for an important individual as a symbol of power.

Rectangular woven fabric panel with polychrome design of leaping dogs between panels of chequerboard work; divided into three streamers at one end. 7.52 grams, 39 cm



Acquired in the 1940s-1950s. Ex Hiller collection; thence by decent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.