Presented in this lot is an Olmec Jadeite Mask, circa 10th - 6th century BCE. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including ancient Mesoamerican, Afghan, Indian, Mughal, Persian and Far Asian artifacts. The Olmecs were the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilizations that flourished during Mesoamerica's formative period dating roughly from as early as 1500 BCE. to about 400 BCE. Olmec artworks are considered among ancient America's most striking. The Olmec culture was first defined as an art style and this continues to be the hallmark of the culture. Common motifs include down-turned mouths and a cleft head, both of which are seen in representations of werejaguars. The werejaguar was both an Olmec motif and a supernatural entity, perhaps a deity. The werejaguar motif is characterized by almond-shaped eyes, a downturned open mouth, and a cleft head. Jade face masks were a type of artifact that were small, hard stone carvings in jade of a face in a mask form. Jade is a particularly precious stone, and it was used as a mark of rank by the ruling classes. This Olmec mask has a beautiful mottled appearance throughout. The mask is finely carved with almond shaped eyes, prominent nose, big tick leap traits commonly found in Olmec mask. Showing two holes on each side, used for hanging, the back has a concave carving. A slight surface crack is seen under the left ear. Small chips are observed. Measures 2.75"W x 3.75"L x 1.5"D, weight 8oz.*