Antique, ca1890-1910, Ethnographic, Wooden Mask Guatemala (Guatemalan)

Description: Antique, stunning, museum-quality, ca1890-1910, Ethnographic, used, Guatemalan mask 7 ¼” x 6 ¾” 11 ¼” with custom stand which is included in this salePatina on the reverse, multiple layers of thick, poly-chrome paint Mustache has a layer of silver, a layer or bronze, and a layer of gold... Piercing bluish-green eyes; reverse painted, German glass eyes held in place with a proprietary form of bees wax Given the tight fit of the glass eyes to wood, I believe these glass eyes to be original to the piece. Glass eyes have been professionally cleaned recently. Turn-of-the century, as attested by the over-pronounced, 3-dimensional sideburns Commanding, rich/deep tones of golden hair; the scalloped top is especially nice. Representing the main Spanish Conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado. During the Dance of the Conquest, Alvarado will fight against the leader of the Mayan Warriors, Tecun Uman. Alvarado was sent by Cortez to conquer the south of Mexico, a territory known as "Coactemalan" by the Indigenous people, the “Place of Trees”. When the Mayas saw this blond character, they nicknamed him "Tonatiuh"- the son of the Sun. So when represented during the ceremonies, the blondness of the character is always exaggerated; notice the beautiful colonial style carvings with golden painted hair, sideburns, eyebrows, and mustache. Pinkish in color denoting the characters European heritage that has left him sun-burnt during the long battle. The characters prosperity is captured in his chubby, double-chin. Its also a keen note on the carver's attention to detail. The exquisite ability of the artist is demonstrated with excellent hair lines; the high relief sideburns, fine mustache of this piece In better than average condition given its age. Very limited paint flaking. Given the limited flaking, I strongly suspect this mask has already been treated with a player of "isinglass" (a glue made from the swim bladders of sturgeon fish, and is a common practice among conservationists). No noted moreria marks Evidence of previous foam padding at on the sides of the chin area on the reverse, further attesting to its danced past. More masks from my collection are current up for sale - Check out my other items! Wooden Ethnographic MaskAuthentic Cultural ArtifactIndigenous Carved MaskTraditional Ethnic ArtHandcrafted Tribal PieceVintage Ethnographic MaskFolk Art Wall DecorHandcarved Cultural MaskCollectible Ethnic ArtAntique Tribal MaskExotic Home Wall ArtIndigenous Ritual MaskHandmade Cultural ArtifactRare Ethnographic CollectibleArtistic Wooden MaskEthnographic Heritage PieceUsed Ethnic Wall HangingTribal Ritual Wall ArtCultural Decorative PieceEthnic Crafted Artwork

Price: 3160 USD

Location: Freeport, Maine

End Time: 2024-08-29T05:25:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.99 USD