Crowned Guardian of Night

A frontal, highly symmetrical portrait of a fierce ceremonial guardian with bulging eyes, curling tusks, exposed teeth, and a long red tongue. An elaborate crown and layered ear ornaments frame the face, while dense dark hair dissolves into the nearly black ground. Fine ornamental lines and weathered surface texture give the work the presence of a carved mask or sacred theatrical figure, with the concentrated gaze creating an imposing, mythic stillness.