AZTEC STONE SEATED Figure with the Mask of EHECATL, ca. A.D. 1450-1521

wearing the buccal mask of the wind god Ehecatl, with tapering beak-like mouth, snout and tubular nose ornaments, the youthful face above with sunken eyes, and wearing the curving ear ornaments,  epcololli,  extending to the shoulders, and large knotted loincloth, each hand resting on the tightly bent knees; with remains of white and pink areas of stucco pigment.

Stendahl Gallery
Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York, acquired from the above on June 26, 1942  (stock book no. "1265")

Overall good but has old damage/loss to small part of buccal mask, the right tubular nose ornament and tip of beaked mouth shows loss. Has been broken and repaired on the base diagonally across right foot extending towards buttocks.
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.
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Ehecatl is one of the main creation deities for the Aztecs. His breath is the wind and motion that helps set the sun and moon in place, and blows the storms of life-giving rain. Besides the common man wearing his mask, he is also depicted in sculptures as Ehecatl -Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent as the wind god, and as a spider monkey, whose lively agility is associated with the wind. See Moctezuma and Olguin (2002:424, and cat. nos. 147, 103 and 100).