Human Mask (Primary Title)
Teotihuacan Mask (Former Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Similar to earlier stone masks from the Olmec civilization, this Teotihuacano mask was created without the use of metal tools. The artist would have painstakingly carved this sculpture using tools made from stone, shell, bone, wood or cord. The mouth and eyes are not carved through and were probably inlaid with shell. Holes on either side of the face indicate that this mask may have been worn on a living human’s chest in ceremony, or perhaps placed over the face of a deceased human. Certain scholars have also suggested that mannequins were fabricated by Teotihuacanos to commemorate their ancestors and masks such as this were attached to the head of the figure.
Pre-Columbian
Lent by David and Susan Goode
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
