XLG Antique Spirit Dance Mask from Mexico--Stunning & Ready to Hang!

Description

Houghton USA
Ancient Art, Antiques, & Fine
Collectibles
XLG 18” x 11”
Mexican
Spirit Dance Mask
With
Extended Blue Insect Eyeballs
c. 1960—1970
This redwood Spirit mask is believed to represent the VERY RARE humanoid spirit and it dates to approximately the 1960--1970.
This mask is believed to represent a winged insect spirit like a wasp or carpenter bee, as insects played important parts in Mexican legends that tell of the beginning of the world and human’s interaction with these animals with supernatural powers who have become Spirits.
It is in “as found” condition with period appropriate age wear and usage.
It is a huge, thick mask that weighs 4.63 lbs. and measures approximately 18” tall x 11” wide and is carved from a single piece of redwood that is up to one-inch thick at the top and sides and has a fantastic patina of weathered wear. You can still see the deeply cut chisel marks in the rough red cedar that give this mask its beauty and character.
It is the finest example of an antique,  Spirit Masks that I have ever had the privileged to own.  This could be the centerpiece of your collection!
DETAILS
This fabulous mask is of convex form, carved with a pointed chin, lips open in a chanting or speaking expression, angular nose and pronounced, scalloped cheek bones, protruding eye sockets with large pupils, close-set arching brows, and a wrinkled forehead.
Although the front of the mask was likely painted in polychrome pigments, there is clear evidence of much paint loss due to chipping.
Close examination reveals the many colors that once adorned this fierce some mask, but only the paint on eye-balls and mouth still remains in any significant amount.
His insect-like eyes are pale blue with yellow highlights and black pupils, while his open mouth is highlighted with vermilion red pigment.
The mask does appear to have been signed on the inside bottom at one time, but the paint has long faded.
We know that this mask represents a  humanoid person because their death is symbolized by the upturned and half-closed eye slits cut into the mask.
These masks served as a permanent reminders that the deceased ancestors were watching over the living.
These cedar masks also were believed to contain incredible power that could be reactivated through their display.
Because of their potency, Shaman’s masks and other utensils were stored outside, away from the tribal living areas.
As with all family-crest or clan masks, this mask’s use during ceremonies was an inherited privilege that was passed down, primarily through the female line by marriage, for generations.
CONDITION
This traditional mask shows clear signs of use with loss of paint on the front and face oil stains on the inside of the mask where the soft red cedar wood came in contact with the wearer’s forehead and nose.
This mask was definitely used for generations by clan dancers as these masks would be passed down to family members within a particular clan.
There are age appropriate small cracks in the old redwood and clear chisel marks still apparent on both sides.  As it has been displayed in a private collection for many years, this mask has a modern, wire, suspension hanger fastened to the mask by two small screws.
It is ready to display in your home and would look FANTASTIC!!
PROVENANCE:   Chronology of Ownership
This authentic, tribal mask is from the estate of a prominent collector in Ontario California.
I recently acquired it from a private collector, B. Moore in Costa Masa, CA.
Thanks to an alert eBay seller, he has corrected my earlier listing as a NW Coast mask and it is now listed as a Mexican Spirit Mask.
Please examine the attached photos carefully as they are part of the description and bid accordingly.
All photos taken outdoors by me in the Pacific NW with natural light.
Note:
Each object I sell is professionally researched and compared with similar objects in the collections of the finest museums in the world.
I have been dealing in fine antiquities for almost 50 years and although certainly not an expert in every field, I have been honored to appraise, buy, collect, and enjoy and recently sell some of the finest ancient art in the world.
When in doubt, I have worked with dozens of subject matter experts to determine the condition and authenticity of numerous antiquities and antiques.
This documentation helps to insure you are buying quality items and helps to protect your investment.
I offer a full
Money-Back Guarantee
if a recognized authority in antiquities disputes the authenticity of these fine artifacts.
The Buy-it-Now price is at least 75
% off
what it would be priced at in a fine Gallery or at even at auction!!
Please ask any questions you may have
before
you bid!
All sales are Final, unless I have seriously misrepresented this item!
Member of the Authentic Artifact Collectors Association (AACA) & the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
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