$20,000.00
Culture: Lambayeque (Sicán)
Region: Peru
Date/Origin: Circa AD 750–1375
Type: Mask
Material: Gold
Dimensions:
Description: A boldly crafted life-size mask. Repousse sheet gold with red cinnabar pigment on facial areas and crown, sheet silver nose ornament with two gold dangles, and sheet silver zoomorphic figures hanging from each earring. Large, curved, almond shaped eyes with rounded pupils, the nose in high relief, a thin mouth under the nose ornament. Under each eye are diagonal rows of small bosses. The ears, earrings, and headband also trimmed with rows of bosses. Cinnabar in a step design each side of crown. In very good condition. The surface is a golden-brown color with a patina including green oxidation, with original red cinnabar pigment. Mineral deposits and traces of corrosion all over from age and exposure to the elements. A small slit on the nose bridge. A commanding display piece, reflecting ceremonial status and refined metalworking.
Provenance: Private collection, Spain, 1970s–2015; private collection, San Francisco, California; A. J. Grant Collection, New York, New York, acquired 1950s–1960s, thence by descent.
1 in stock
