Item #1001 | Mask of the War God by Sergey Melnikoff
The metal replica of Itzam Kokaj Bahlam’s mask was created by American artist Sergey Melnikoff (a.k.a. MFF) in collaboration with metal specialist Viktor Bielchyk. A skilled Ukrainian craftsman cut large fragments from combat mines and meticulously joined dozens of metal elements to replicate the jade-like design of the mask, which represents one of the Maya rulers from the Chochkitam province. The mask is mounted on a base constructed as a shapeless heap of shrapnel from combat mines and coated with a nickel layer using the electroplating method.
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| Estimate USD | 35,000 — 50,000 |
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A magnificent jade face mask was discovered in 2021 in a royal Maya tomb at the Chochkitam site near Petén in northeastern Guatemala. Dated to approximately 350 AD, the mask is made of jade stones and belonged to the local king Itzam Kokaj Bahlam.
A metal replica of the mask by Sergey Melnikoff is made from polished shrapnel fragments collected in 2024 from the fields of Ukraine, the site of battles with Russian invaders.