A CHONTAL SERPENTINE FUNERARY MASK OF A DIGNITARY.
100-500 A.D.
H. 16 x L. 13,5 cm

Provenance
Formerly in the private collection of Mr. Leydier Swiss private collection since the 1980's Published in Collonges, Suisse, 2001, p. 63, fig. 82

Representing the face of a dignitary with a hieratic and timeless expression. Cavities carved into the eyes and mouth, with traces of mineral and plant-based resins, suggest that in pre-Columbian times, these features were inlaid with hard stones to accentuate the gaze and highlight the mouth. The balanced-shaped eyebrows are slightly raised in relief, the mouth is carefully sculpted, and the lip contours are harmonious, giving this piece an expressive movement of great interest.
Although realistic in appearance, these masks were probably not portraits but rather representations of an idealized face. Recent archaeological discoveries in the Guerrero region and the Guatemalan border have revealed that this civilization is, in fact, more recent than previously believed. It seems that this people (the Chontals) maintained commercial contacts with their neighbors in Teotihuacan, and the influence of the latter is evident in some of their works, as is the case here.

Estimate: 6000 - 8000 CHF