Ancient Pre-Columbian Olmec Hand-Carved Jade Face Mask Pendant 900-600 Bc Mexico

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An important ancient Pre-Columbian Olmec civilization Hand-Carved Jade face Mask Pendant, 900-600 BC, ex-museum collection.

This exceptional Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican carved … Read more An important ancient Pre-Columbian Olmec civilization Hand-Carved Jade face Mask Pendant, 900-600 BC, ex-museum collection.

This exceptional Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican carved jade mask pendant, originates from the Olmec Civilization. It is masterfully hand-carved from a single piece of mottled green Jadeite, sourced by these ancient peoples from the Motagua River Valley, located in present day Guatemala. This jade was so highly prized that is was transported/traded to the Olmec people who were located in what is now the Mexican Gulf coast some 500 miles away.
This highly stylized miniature face mask pendant, featuring strong geometric brows, narrow slit eyes, a broad nose, and a deeply grooved mouth. The jade has a variegated surface with natural veining and a smooth, aged patina developed over centuries. Such talismans were worn by individuals of high status as a symbol of their stature. The suspension opening on the top ridge allowed the individual to wear this mask pendant around the neck and is characteristic of ancient Mesoamerican stone drilling methods.
This highly collectible example of early Mesoamerican lapidary art is elegantly presented on a custom-fitted wooden gallery display block. Condition is very good.

Provenance:
Deaccessioned from a museum collection along with a number of other important Pre-Columbian antiquities. Authenticity guaranteed, and will be accompanied with a C.O.A. See less