GARDE

GARDE

*Mask representing a human face. Square in shape, the face has strongly geometric features. The forehead is low and marked in its center by a suspension hole. The thick eyebrows have a rectangular shape in relief, creating a shadowy area that accentuates the expressiveness of the eyes. The eyebrows stop at the root of the long, straight nose. The mouth is defined by a wide, smiling incision. And the rectilinear ears are slightly detached from the face by an incision. Unlike the other facial features, the eyes are not sculpted. They are drawn with cinnabar. This process is also used to enhance the eyebrows, mouth and ears. A beautiful, intense expressiveness emanates from this mask, with its refined features and volumes. Mottled green-gray granite Chontal - Guerrero - Mexico, 350 - 100 B.C. 14.5 x 13 x 6 cm Provenance: Former Yvon Collet collection, 1969 Judging by the large number of Chontal and Mezcala masks found, they certainly played a significant role in the sculptural tradition of this Guerrero region. Deposited in a votive cache near a ceremonial center, cave or dwelling, their religious function made them a receptacle of vital energy used in the performance of a fertility cult.