MASQUE EN TECALICULTURE TEOTIHUACAN, VALLÉE DE MEXICOCLASSIQUE, 450-650 AP. J.-C. |

Collection privée, Belgique
Collection Gérald Berjonneau, Paris, acquis en 1977
Importante Collection privée française, acquis du précédent en 2005

Good condition overall. As visible on the catalogue illustration proper top side of the mask is broken but very well patinated. Minor scratches and marks but wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Both hears are a little bit erodated.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le deuxième masque en tecali de cette collection montre l’apothéose du blanc que l’on retrouve dans le spectre des couleurs de cette pierre. A sa translucidité laiteuse répondaient dans un contraste saisissant les incrustations des yeux et de la bouche, ainsi que les éléments du costume périssable de l’effigie dont ce masque ornait le visage. Ce masque se distingue par un plan facial large et lisse, un menton aplati et des yeux ovales étroits. Il a pu être décoré avec de la peinture et des incrustations supplémentaires, comme semblent l’indiquer les zones légèrement rugueuses sur les joues. Il n'est pas rare de trouver des masques Teotihuacan avec des décorations sur les joues, allant de motifs géométriques à des décors beaucoup plus figuratifs tels que des fleurs.

Pour des masques de type similaire, voir Sotheby’s, New York, 15 mai 2017, n° 74, et Sotheby’s, New York, 16 mai 2014, n° 279.

The second of the two tecali masks of this collection, this mask shows the very white side of the spectrum of colors of tecali stone. With its milky translucent quality it would have been a bright palette against the inlays of the eyes and mouth, as well as the surrounding brilliant perishable costume elements of a ceremonial effigy figure.

The facial style is distinct for the broad and smooth facial plane and flattened chin with narrowed oval eyes. The face may have been decorated with paint or additional inlay as indicated by the slightly roughened areas on the cheeks. It is not uncommon to find Teotihuacan masks with decorations on the cheeks of geometric patterns or flowers representing face paint designs. 

For similar masks of this type, see Sotheby’s, New York, May 15, 2017, no. 74, and Sotheby’s, New York, May 16, 2014, no. 279.