Striking Guerrero Chontal Stone Mask Amazing Veining!

DESCRIPTION
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Guerrero region, Chontal, Late Preclassic period, ca. 300 to 100 BCE. A gorgeous face mask of an oblong form, hand-carved from an attractive stone of deep grey-green hues with wonderful creamy white veining patterns. The minimalist visage features a pair of inset ovoid eyes that likely once held stone or shell inlays beneath arched brows, long bar-shaped ears, a prominent nose, and an open mouth. Chontal stone sculpture deviates from the earlier Guerrero-region sculptural style by being more naturalistic rather than highly abstracted geometric human figures made by the Mezcala, and that development is seen here. The name “Chontal” probably comes from the Aztec, who called the people of this region “Chontales”. A wonderful example that is biconically drilled behind the temples. Size: 3.8″ W x 6″ H (9.7 cm x 15.2 cm); 8.75″ H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex- William B. Jaffee collection, acquired in 1969

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#156026
CONDITION
One ear is repaired. This is well done and very unobtrusive. Surface is abraded and weathered but form and details are well preserved. Great deposits on surface.