Product Description
ITEM #
|
PC086
|
||
ID
|
Mask Pendant
|
||
FOUND
|
Mezcala Culture - Central America
|
||
AGE
|
700 B.C. - 650 A. D.
|
||
SIZE
|
1.15" x 1.15" and .9" x .9"
|
||
CONDITION
|
COMPLETE, NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION
|
||
NOTE
|
CHOICE COMPLETE EXAMPLES WITH
|
||
INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX - Actual Item - One Only
Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet |
The cycladic art style of Mezcala Pre-Columbian objects puts them in a realm all their own amongst fanciers. The style is so unique that it is unrivaled in Mesoamerican ancient art. Mezcala carved stone figures are so desirable and mysterious that even the later Pre-Columbian tribes of the region such as the inhabitants of Teotihuacan and the Aztecs, went to the trouble of digging them up and interring them into their own temples! The abstract artistic nature of these objects is so unusual and unique that immediately by sight alone, they are recognizable for their culture and region of origin! Presented here is one of the rarest forms - a crouching human figure rather than a standing example. Adding to the desirability of carved Mezcala objects is the fact that most were carved by one of the many beautiful greenstone types found native to the region.
This is a beautiful set of TWO perfect and INTACT jade mask pendants. One is made from white jadeite and the other from green jadeite. They feature abstract carved features for the eyes and mouth with suspension holes still unbroken, allowing each to be worn safely today. Condition and preservation is as good as it gets. 100% ORIGINAL, INTACT AND WITHOUT ANY REPAIR OR RESTORATION. Includes our written unconditional lifetime certificate of GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY.
Pre-Columbian Indians considered jade much more valuable than gold. When Spanish explorers first made contact with several tribes, there are records note the surprise amongst various indigenous cultures, wondering why the explorers were more interested in the gold rather than the jade. Jade objects in Pre-Columbian cultures were considered the most precious and hence, displays of nobility and wealth.
The Pre-Columbian Mezcala Culture is a little understood culture that was based in present-day Guerrero, Mexico. A long, complex culture history of the Guerrero region prevents a finite understanding of who exactly made Mezcala objects. The culture is also called Balsas Culture because it is centered in the upper Balsas River drainage region. It is believed the Mezcala style emerged during the Preclassic Period, between 700-200 B.C. and continued on into Classic Period to 650 A.D..
Ojects attributed to the the Mezcala Culture include figurines, masks, small effigies of animals and objects, beads, pendants and earplug flares. They are carved from a variety of green, gray-green, gray and black color hardstones and jade. The art style is so unique that Mezxcala objects are readily recognized for their abstract and minimalist anatomical features. Some Mezcala style stone objects show strong Olmec influence. Beautiful stylized masks from Guerrero exhibit Teotihuacan Classic Period influence. Mezcala style objects were excavated by the much later Aztec peoples and revered as sacred objects.
Mezcala style stone carved figurines have a basic petaloid axe form and are sometimes casually labeled "axe gods". Symmetrically arranged cuts in the stone are arranged to resemble facial and body features. Scarcer objects depict human forms in seated or crouching positions. Carved stone masks are found in more diverse forms from abstract to beautifully stylized renderings. Clay figures and pottery are also known but the culture is most famous for its unique carved stone objects.
WARNING: There is an ALARMING number of fake ancient artifacts on the market. As fine quality intact, original specimens become more scarce and techniques have become more sophisticated to fake these artifacts. We have personally handled numerous extremely well-done fakes with extremely convincing patinas. The degree to which the fakers have been able to replicate patina to disguise their work requires an expert examination by highly experienced individuals. Like all rare collectibles, fakes plague the market. Deal only with sources that are extremely knowledgeable in forgeries or altered pieces and get a written guarantee of authenticity that has no conditions or expiration period. Paleo Direct includes this guarantee in writing with every item we sell. All purchases should include from the dealer a written guarantee of authenticity with unconditional and lifetime return policies regarding such guarantee.