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LOT 2422
Prehispanic Olmec Jade Mask
900-400 B.C. OR LATER
6 7/8 in. (557 grams total, 17.6 cm including stand).
A striated green stone head or mask carved in the half-round with semi-naturalistic facial features, in the Olmec style; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
Provenancewith Throckmorton Fine Arts, 1990s.
Private collection, England.
See Coe, D., The Olmec World, Ritual and Rulership, The Princeton University, Harry Abrams, 1996, p. 250.
FootnotesThis fine maskette displays the classical features of Olmec Art. The eyes are feline and mouth slightly open, representing the snarl of the Jaguar, a revered animal to the ancient Olmec. This face likely depicts the ideal Olmec ruler rather than portrait of an individual and would have been made for important ceremony or individual of high rank.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Pre-Columbian Nazca Terracotta Bowl With Arrow Design
4th-6th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £247
'Bell-shaped' bowl with rounded base, the exterior decorated with a polychrome geometric scheme including arrows, circumferential bands and quartered panels. 263 grams, 15 cm
Private U.K. family collection formed in the early 1970s. The property of Mr and Mrs P.R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. -
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Pre-Columbian Mexican Michoacan Standing Figure
300-100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Modelled in the half-round as a nude female, wearing arm bangles and an ornamental collar; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 527 grams total, 23 cm high including stand
Ex Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a Norfolk, UK, private collection.
This is a large example of the figurines of ancient Michoacan. These sculptures were made in abundance during the pre classic period and were likely crafted for personal use as votive figures. As with this example, these sculptures are renowned for showing details of necklaces and other adornment of the period. -
Mesoamerican Costa Rican Jadeite Ceremonial Jaguar Mace Head
100-500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Dual profile animal-head mace head with drilled eye and teeth exposed; hole close the edge for suspension; mounted on a custom-made stand. 209 grams total, 11 cm including stand
Acquired in the 1990s. Private collection, England.
These mace heads were sculpted with great care and likely produced for high ranking members of society. Often zoomorphic in form, this example is particularly notable for its dual aspect with a monkey face on one side contrasted with a more human skull appearance on the other. A fine and interesting example with great expression and design.
