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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Nayarit Art : Nayarit Terracotta Mask
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Nayarit Terracotta Mask - PF.3366
Origin: Western Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
8" (20.3cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Nayarit
Medium: Terracotta
$8,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This small terracotta mask comes from the late
pre-classic period in Nayarit, west Mexico.
Portraying the typical Nayarit sculptural features
such as small slit eyes, small mouth, and large
forehead, the mask's expressionistic quality
delights the viewers' curious eyes. Red slipped
and well burnished, the face seems to glow with
warm color of orange-red. Moreover, the large
forehead creates an interesting contrast with the
small, sharp chin. The mouth is open to reveal
intricately sculpted teeth that appear to be
clenched. Wearing beautiful ear spools, this
intricate mask most likely represented or was
used by a wealthy and important person in the
Nayarit society. Because the eyes of the mask are
not perforated, it was not worn by ritual
performers but functioned as a pectoral or have
been placed over the face of the deceased.
Considering the small size of the mask, it
perhaps was modeled after a child's face.
Although we do not know who this child is, we
can imagine how precious the child was by this
lovingly sculpted mask. Who wanted to
remember this child so much to wear his mask as
a pectoral? Or maybe the mask accompanied the
deceased child in his shaft-tomb. As we look
into the intricate beauty of the Ancient sculpture,
we realize peoples' attempts to remember their
loved ones remains the same now as more than
a thousand years ago.
- (PF.3366)
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