Olmec Greenstone Mask Middle Preclassic, ca. 900-600 B.C.

the naturalistic portrait of a ruler or dignitary of youthful form, the full lips finely sculpted revealing upper teeth, a dimpled chin, brows curving down to the fleshy nose, and swelling lower lids beneath the oval eyes, the rectangular ear flanges incised with scroll motifs; piereced at the top and below the ears for suspension, in veined bright greenstone.

American private collection, acquired over 40 years ago and passed within the family, (Sotheby's, New York, May 17, 1988, lot 120)

Very good condition, intact. Has a pressure crack along the very top of the head from the left side above the ear along the top just past mid point of the head. It is a stable, old fissure. Overall nice color and remains of encrustations in recessed areas, fine details of carving.
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.

Small scale Olmec masks were an important part of layered ritual ornaments, worn as pendants or on headdresses or belts.  This expressive maskette is carved in a life-like style, as executed in extremely large scale versions on the monumental basalt heads of La Venta and San Lorenzo. Such portraiture was also conveyed on lifesize masks such the mature individual portrayed in the mask in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, see Benson and de la Fuente (1996:cat. no. 79).