A Large Olmec Jade Mask, Middle Preclassic, ca. 900-300 B.C.

the stylized portrait slightly larger than life-size, with compelling expression marked by large circular pierced eyes within recessed sockets,  with shallow oval recesses extending from the outer corners of the eyes, gently furrowed brow, the youthful smooth cheeks sloping into a broad jowl and sculpted chin, the lower lip extending forward from the parted mouth showing gum ridge, with outlined upper lip, the philtrum indicated, and with long ear flanges pierced on the lobes; pierced at the center of the forehead, top of the head, temples, chin and under the ears for attachment, in densely mottled pale sea-green jade.

European private collection since 1970

Paris, Grand Palais, XIV Biennale Internationale des Antiquaires, Galerie Mermoz, September 22-October 9, 1988 
Paris, Musee galerie de la Seita, Figures de Pierre, October 2- November 21, 1992, figure 205, illustrated pg. 92.

Art Précolombien, Galerie Mermoz, catalogue for the exhibition at the XIV Biennale Internationale, Paris, Grand Palais, September 22-October 9, 1988, colorplate 4

Has been broken and repaired in various areas: all clean breaks, diagonally across both cheeks from the nose, section rebuilt of lower right jowl beneath ear , crack from center bottom of chin up to middle of chin; crack across the bridge of nose. Very small fill near lower left suspension hole. Inquire to Dept for further information.
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