The summit of the classical age in Ancient
Meso-America 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. 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, and even the wrinkles
around the mouth are depicted. Skillfully carved
and polished, the artist managed to portray
realistic face on a hard stone surface. 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 in a small mask. Whether
the mask represent a deity or a respected
dignitary in the Mayan society, his poignant
essence comes through strongly. Looking at this
sculpted image is like looking into the face of an
Ancient Mayan who perhaps participated in
rituals and ceremonies in great temple cities.
- (PF.3400)
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