Stone Ritual Mask Appraisal

Teotihuacan-Style Stone Ritual Mask

This item is a hand-carved decorative mask styled after the Teotihuacan culture of ancient Mesoamerica. It is crafted from a polished, mottled hardstone, likely a marbled onyx, travertine, or serpentine, exhibiting a complex palette of cream, tan, and dark brown swirled mineral inclusions. The mask features a monumental, geometric aesthetic with a tall, flattened headdress characterized by horizontal and vertical incised bands and three prominent rectangular recessed panels. The facial features are classically stylized with narrow horizontal eye slits, a straight-edged nose with defined nostrils, and an open, square-formed mouth revealing a slight protruding chin or tongue element. The ears are represented by simple vertical rectangular flanges on the sides. Two small holes are drilled near the temple area, through which remains of a natural fiber or twine hanging cord are visible. The craftsmanship displays high-quality polishing on the facial planes contrasted with more rustic, textured incising in the headdress. Condition-wise, the mask appears intact with no large cracks or structural repairs visible; however, there is significant minor surface pitting, some edge wear along the bottom jawline, and natural stone fissures that are consistent with aged decorative stonework. This is likely a mid-20th-century artisan reproduction intended for the ethnographic art market rather than a pre-Columbian artifact, given the specific tool-mark precision and surface treatment.