TEOTIHUACAN GREENSTONE MASK, Classic, ca. A.D. 450-650

the mature and forceful face with sharply sculpted cheeks, full parted lips and large eyes once inlaid showing remains of staining, the ears pierced for ornaments, and with suspension holes at the sides of the head and center of forehead; in mottled serpentine with remains of white and red stucco pigment within the nostril.

Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York, acquired October 7, 1938, (stock book no. "816")

Overall excellent, has small old knick on lower chin area, and some knick around eyes as shown, possibly from removal of inlay in eyes.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Teotihuacan masks and facepanels are noted for their idealized portrayal of the human condition. Attached to mortuary bundles or ceramic or perishable effigies of deities, they were embellished with elements related to specific deities or ancestors. Remains of stone or shell inlay, and stucco paint - as on this mask- show the tradition of added design elements. The mature, sculpted lines of this mask resemble the aged deity Huehueteotl ( Fire God), one of the principal deities of Mesoamerican mythology. The Aztecs revered the ancient monuments of Teotihuacan as the 'place of the gods' and took masks to their own sacred center at Tenochtitlan. 

For a mask of the same stone and similar eye treatment in the Denver Art Museum, see Young- Sánchez (2003:32, fig. 12); for small masks showing related facial style, see Solis (2009:401 and 405, cat. nos. 234b, and 236e).