Human Mask (Primary Title)
Mask (Former Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Not having access to metal carving tools, the artist who created this mask would have relied upon stone, wood, shell, corn, and bone instruments to shape this remarkable representation of a human face. Considerable effort went into carving this stone mask, and it was almost certainly intended for-and possibly represented-an elite member of Olmec society. Although the mask’s eyes and mouth are cut through, its heavy weight suggest that it was not worn on the face of a living human but served as a funerary mask for an important ruler.
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.
