Chontal Stone Mask, Late Preclassic, circa 300 - 100 BC

Marcel Delplace, Brussels
Belgian Private Collection, acquired from the above during the 1970s
Sotheby's, New York, May 16, 2014, lot 241, consigned by the family of the above
Private Collection, Massachusetts, acquired at the above auction
Private Collection, California, acquired from the above

Chontal face masks and panels combine finely sculpted abstract elements in the portrayal of idealized yet naturalist faces. The Guerrero tradition of stone masks defined by grooves and ridges is evident here with the sharp brow lines and triangular nose. The pierced eyes and mouth are outlined by rimmed lines and evoke a lifelike animated expression, in conjunction with the gently rounded cheekbones; long narrow ear flanges are pierced at the temples for attachment. 

For the mask type, see Carlo and Robin Gay, Chontal: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, Geneva, 2001, p. 66, pls. 93-94.