Prehispanic Mayan Jade Mask
6th-9th century A.D. A human mask carved from a block of jade with lateral piercings for attachment at the temple and lower ear, prominent nose and lips, recessed eyes to accept inlay; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Schmidt, P., Maya Civilization, Thames and Hudson, London, 1998, pp.554 and 555, for other examples of jade masks from the ancient Maya. 1.1 kg total, 20 cm high including stand (7 7/8 in.). with Throckmorton Fine Arts, 1990s. English private collection. Carved from jade, the most highly prized material of the ancient Maya, this mask displays a naturalism suggestive of a specific individual of importance. Other known examples appear to emphasise the supernatural or aspects of particular deities.