Origin: Northern China,Age/Period: ca.6000-2000BC, Neolithic Period,Dimensions: 5-3/4"long, 3-1/2" wide, 2-1/2" deep;Neolithic carved stone face or mask unearthed in Northern China. We date this carving ca.6000-2000AD. The depiction is of a demon with a thick brow, bulging round eyes, horns, large bulbous nose and a toothy grimace. The carving was made in a dense gray stone. Over several millinium, open pores have formed in the stone as softer minerals dissolved or the stone itself began to decompose. The mask was probably made to ward off evil spirits. The top of the mask has two right-angled conjoining holes "bored" through the stone. Apparently to facilitate fastening a strap for hanging. Since this carving was made before China's invention of metal, how the ancient Chinese bore stone is still somewhat of a mystery. It is believed that ancient Chinese used bone, wood, hide and powdered abrasives like Corrundum crystals to shape and bore through hard stones. This would explain the shape of the bored holes which tapers from an uneven mouth rim opening as it goes deeper into the stone carving. This entire process was an incredible and lengthy process that took much skill, time and effort.Condition Consensus: Excellent Condition, museum quality without any injury or damage.b25 Click for Price @ GoAntiques.com
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