Lot Essay
Cf. Rediscovered Masterpieces, fig. 157
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PROPERTY FROM AN AMERICAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
TEOTIHUACAN STONE MASK
CLASSIC, CA. A.D. 450 - 650
Details
TEOTIHUACAN STONE MASK
CLASSIC, ca. A.D. 450 - 650
the monumental head sensitively modeled with the idealized features of a youthful figure distinguished by elongated, wide-set eyes, once inlaid, arched brows and slender lips widely parted as if in speech, sharp chin line, rectangular ear flanges; in transluscent lime green tecali, pierced three times at the temples and the side of the cheeks for attachment.
Width 11 in. (28 cm.)
CLASSIC, ca. A.D. 450 - 650
the monumental head sensitively modeled with the idealized features of a youthful figure distinguished by elongated, wide-set eyes, once inlaid, arched brows and slender lips widely parted as if in speech, sharp chin line, rectangular ear flanges; in transluscent lime green tecali, pierced three times at the temples and the side of the cheeks for attachment.
Width 11 in. (28 cm.)
Provenance
Everett Rassiga Collection, 1960
Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller as advised by Alfred Barr Jr., founding director of the Museum of Modern Art, New York
Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller as advised by Alfred Barr Jr., founding director of the Museum of Modern Art, New York
Further details
Teotihuacan was ancient central Mexico's dominant urban center in the Classic Period and by A.D. 600 it was in terms of population the sixth largest city in the world with an estimated population at over 125,000 multiethnic individuals. Its rulers were so determined to demonstrate their power through colossal public works, and its populace was so effectively mobilized, that they erected in the city center (fig.1) the greatest expanse of monumental pubic architecture of its time in the New World.
Teotihuacan masks are well-known for their timeless countenances and the skill of their craftmanship. The addition of shell or stone inlay in the eyes and mouth imbued them with life-like attributes. It is believed that these masks were attached to figures of perishable material reserved for high status rituals.
Teotihuacan masks are well-known for their timeless countenances and the skill of their craftmanship. The addition of shell or stone inlay in the eyes and mouth imbued them with life-like attributes. It is believed that these masks were attached to figures of perishable material reserved for high status rituals.