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Presenting an exceptional, authentic Antique Mexican Ethnographic Wooden Dance Mask, sourced directly from the distinguished estate collection of Gerald McCue (Massachusetts). This striking piece of Mexican folk art captures the vibrant ceremonial traditions of regional dance theater, boasting immense decorative presence and verified field character.
Design & Character Elements
- Expressive Hand-Carved Features: Hand-sculpted from a single block of indigenous hardwood, featuring a wonderfully exaggerated, elongated nose profile, slit eyes, and a carved open mouth.
- Polychrome Pigment Highlights: Retains its historic paint schema, displaying a stylized black mustache, bold painted eyebrows, and unique blue-ringed eye accents that amplify its expressive theatrical gaze.
- Exemplary Performance Patina: The interior reverse displays deep, beautifully irregular honey-brown oxidation and smooth surface patina. This organic discoloration is the direct result of prolonged skin contact and facial oils from its original ceremonial dancers.
Dimensions & Structural Spec
- Face Length: 7-5/16 inches
- Face Width: 5-1/4 inches (measured straight across the reverse opening)
- Maximum Interior Depth (Mouth to Edge): 2-5/8 inches
- Cheek Depth (Cheek to Edge): 2-1/8 inches
Condition Report
This piece is in good, structurally stable ethnographic condition, showing beautiful signs of age and active ceremonial use. The nose features significant historic wood loss and splintering along the bridge, which is clearly documented in the high-resolution close-ups. Minor age checking and small drying cracks are visible near the side edges and beneath the chin. The mask remains structurally robust, retains its original structural integrity, and includes its vintage hanging cord. Please review all macro photographs to appreciate its honest, unaltered field condition.
Shipping & Handling
Item will be meticulously padded, packed in a rigid box with double-wall corner support, and shipped fully insured with tracking to ensure safe archival transit.
Please review all photos provided for references and as part of the overall item description. If you have any questions or would like more photos feel free to reach out. Thanks!!!
