*Masque

representing a human face. The face is square in shape and has strongly geometric features. The forehead is low and marked in its centre by a hanging hole. The thick eyebrows have a rectangular shape in relief which creates a shadowy area accentuating the expressiveness of the eyes. The eyebrows stop at the root of the long, straight nose. The mouth is signified by a large smiling incision. And, the straight ears are slightly detached by an incision and a drop in the face. Unlike the other facial features, the eyes are not sculpted. They are drawn with cinnabar. This process is also used to enhance the eyebrows, mouth and ears. A beautiful and intense expressiveness emanates from this mask with its refined features and volumes. Mottled green-grey granite. Good state of conservation Chontal - Guerrero - Mexico, 350 - 100 B.C. 14.5 x 13 x 6 cm Provenance: Former Yvon Collet collection, 1969 Lot presented under the temporary importation regime Judging from the large number of masks found, Chontal and Mezcala masks certainly played a significant role in the sculptural tradition of this region of Guerrero. Deposited in a votive cache near a ceremonial center, a cave or a dwelling, the religious function makes it a receptacle of vital energy used in the performance of a cult for fertility.