Pre-Columbian Chontal Stone Face Mask
Southern Mesoamerica, Late Preclassic Period, ca. 300–100 BC
Height: 6 in. (15.2 cm)

A remarkable Pre-Columbian Chontal stone face mask carved during the Late Preclassic period from blue-gray speckled stone. The powerful visage features prominent horizontal brows, a strong aquiline nose, parted lips, rectangular ears, and original shell-inlaid eyes, all executed in the bold geometric style associated with early Chontal sculpture. A perforation at the top allowed the mask to be suspended, likely for ceremonial or ritual display.

The restrained yet commanding expression reflects the sophisticated artistic traditions that flourished along the Pacific coast of southern Mesoamerica over two thousand years ago. The exceptional preservation of the shell eye inlays further enhances both the rarity and visual appeal of the piece.

This mask was offered as Lot 81 in Sotheby’s New York, Pre-Columbian Art, November 22, 1993, where it carried a presale estimate of $10,000–15,000. The original Sotheby’s inventory label remains affixed to the reverse, and the original auction catalogue illustrating the mask accompanies the piece.

An exceptional published example of Pre-Columbian Chontal stone sculpture with distinguished Sotheby’s provenance, combining archaeological significance, strong artistic presence, and documented collecting history.