The lot feature a rare circa 500 A.D. Mayan death mask carving. This example is a large, heavy stone mask carved from green jade. The foreboding, glaring eyes are carved open and wide, with an open grimacing expression with flaring nostril, raised cheek bones and teeth showing. There are two suspension holes at the top and above the forehead area along with two on the bottom of the chin area. The mask is a rare and compelling pre-Columbian relic that has been well kept and shows an honest, good overall condition. Mayan ceremonial death masks were only used during sacrificial rituals and not funerary uses. A similar Mayan death mask sold a few years ago at the Collinsville, Illinois Indian Artifact Show for $16,000. This mask has a nice mellow patina and is a superb example of true Pre-Columbian art. Provenance: From the ex-Tom Hardy Collection Indianapolis, Indiana. Overall measures 9 inches long by 7 inches wide and 1 inch thick approx.