Large Pre-Columbian Teotihuacán Death Mask C.500 AD
From Mexico, a large, ancient Teotihuacan culture 3 dimensional pottery head (from a much larger clay figure) of a man wearing an ornate headdress, in highly detailed relief, having incised and raised features throughout – the head-dress probably denotes a member of the warrior caste, and the face is done with exquisite detail, right down to the teeth. It is the size of a child’s head, and the clay nodules attached as decoration to the head-dress are typical of Teotihuacán pottery figures, (which were often made up to life-size).
The style is that of a Teotihuacán death mask, which characteristically have closed eyes and a slightly open mouth - see other examples in museums here:
and here:
Some slight traces of red paint remain.
Their culture flourished for several centuries, reaching its zenith in the 5th & 6th centuries A.D., until its greatest city, Teotihuacan itself, was abandoned in the 10th century.
This figure is mounted on a large and very heavy black marble custom stand, so is perfect for display; antiquities of this quality are very rarely offered for sale in the U.K.
For more about the Teotihuacan culture, see:
I bought this piece from a dealer years ago, and I am now disposing of parts of my antiquities collection - please see my recent feedback for previous items I have sold from it.
Size
The mask is 6” (15cms) tall, by 6.25” (15.5cms) wide, and including the stand the whole piece is 10” (26cms) tall. With the marble base, the weight is 2.5 kilos.
Delivery
As the base is made of solid marble, I am willing to detach it for shipping savings, which would make the price of shipping £6 to the U.K., £11 to Europe, £17 to the U.S. & Canada, and £20 to Aus. & N.Z. for the mask alone. I highly recommend having the stand, it does look good.
With the base (which is included in the sale if wanted), prices are – UK £9, EU, £20, US & Canada £29, Australia & NZ £36. All prices include full insurance, and must be signed for.
About me
I have collected Murano glass, antiques and antiquities for some years, & recently started selling on Ebay; I buy & sell pieces I personally like. I try to describe everything I sell as honestly as possible, including any damage, issues, or attributions to a maker, in my descriptions. If you have any questions, a problem with a piece you’ve bought, or even further info on a piece I’m selling (always welcome!) please mail me. Please don’t ever leave negative feedback without speaking to me – we can always come to a solution.
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