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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Art : Mayan Terracotta Mask
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Mayan Terracotta Mask - PF.3468
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 500
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
4.25" (10.8cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$3,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The summit of the classical age in Ancient
Mesoamerica was reached by the Maya in their
great temple cities. In those temple cities, great
artistic expressions such as murals and
sculptures flourished. It is during this classical
period in which artists refined their skills to
represent the human form and representations of
their gods.
Mayan figures very well depict the distinct Mayan
physical characteristics such as the high
cheekbones, fleshy and hooked nose, heavy
lidded eyes, and fleshy lips. This remarkably
sculpted Mayan mask displays such attributes.
The exquisite mask is a depiction of a man's
face, possibly a representation of a priest or a
deity wearing large earspools. The high
cheekbones accentuate the depth of the heavy
lidded eyes, and the slightly curving hooked
nose creates a perfect symmetry of the face. The
fleshy mouth is open to reveal the indication of
the teeth or the tongue. Skillfully carved, the
artist managed to portray a realistic face-the
sculpture's furrowed eyebrows and slightly
curled upper lip evoke strong character and
dramatic emotion to life. Small in scale, this
mask was probably used in rituals/ceremonies
or was worn as a pectoral or a bodily adornment.
As we look into the mask, we are amazed to see
how the artist captured such exquisite beauty
and emotion in a small mask. Whether the mask
represent a deity or a respected dignitary in the
Mayan society, his poignant essence comes
through strongly just as it did more than a
thousand years ago.
- (PF.3468)
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