Spotlight on...
...a magnificent mask of the BEASLEY Collection since 1924.
Mask representing a stylized human face
Mask representing a stylized human face.
Translucid alabaster.
High : 15 cm
Width : 13,7 cm
Thickness : 3,8 cm
Teotihuacan Culture, ca 150-450 A.D.
Mexico.
A few chips otherwise very good condition.
Former collection of Harry Geoffrey BEASTLY (1881-1939), United-Kingdom, since 1924.
This beautiful mask is carved in a white translucid alabaster. Square-shaped, it shows a stylized human flattened face. The four corners are drilled and arrounded : slightly on the forehead and a little bit more in the lower part. The mouth is indicated by an horizontal line surrounded by thick lips. The mouth-nose area looks like a trapeze. The arch of the eyebrows is continu. The eyes ore like a coffee-beanshape.
Excellent condition.
On the back, one can see two labels glued one on the other. The first one is rectangular, and the second one is round.
On the rectangular one, we can read in capital letters :
BEASLEY COLLECTION
It is hand written :
« …-12-24 »
The second one is sticked on the other in its center. It is round and the letters are deleted, except the letters « G » and « B » : the initials of Harry Geoffrey Beasley and the inscription « 16-12-24 » in the diameter.
The mask is the BEASLEY Collection since the 16th of December, 1924.
Harry Geoffrey BEASLEY (1881-1939)
He was born on December 18, 1881 in Kent in East Plumbed. He is very young and shows interest in ethnography, travel and elsewhere. He would have acquired his first piece at the age of 13 years old. HIs fortune allowed him to continue collecting freely.
In 1914, he married to his cousin Marguerite BEASLEY. They move into a house that will be called "Cranmore Ethnological Museum".
They buy so much in European private collections as American. They also buy in auctions and even in local museum. It is estimated that more than 6,000 pieces are on display in Cranmore.
Beasley died in 1939. His collection was then divided among different British museums including the British Museum. Irene survived him until 1974.
The heirs began to sell little by little...
On exhibition
Metate
Metate representing a stylised jaguar finely worked.
Basaltic stone.
High : 27 cm
Width : 80 cm
Thickness : 30 cm
Atlantic watershed Culture, ca 300-700 A.D.
Costa Rica.
Break on the front feet, otherwise very good condition.
Belgian private collection.
Price upon request.
Figure with arms and legs stretched.
Textile representing a standing figure with arms and legs stretched.
Linen and feathers
High : 61 cm
Width :60 cm
Ica-Chincha Culture, ca 1000-1476 A.D.
Peru.
Two small restaurations otherwise, excellent condition.
Private collection, France. In the same family since the 50's.
Price upon request.
Attention, this piece is submitted to certain conditions. Please, consult us.
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