FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE 20TH CENTURY

A HELLENISTIC TERRACOTTA NUBIAN MASK, 300 BC

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: $1,200

Estimated price: $1,500 - $1,800

Buyer's premium:

A Hellenistic terracotta mask depicting a Nubian. The figure is depicted with lifelike features and braided hair with a headband, possibly a taenia, wrapped around the head.

The Hellenistic Greeks had extensive contacts with Africa, and specifically the Nubians, who lived south of Pharaonic Egypt; one reason for this was that, after encountering elephants as war vehicles during Alexander’s time in India, they sought an African source for the animals.

Ancient World – 300 BC.

Provenance: Private Collection, NYC.

H: 6 1/2 in., ( 16.5 cm.)

Condition: Good overall. Various cracks on the interior with signs of restoration. See photos for reference.