Portrait Head
Artist/Maker
Maya (archaeological culture)
(Mesoamerica)
Dateca. 600-900
Mediumstucco and paint
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/4 x 7 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (19.7 x 18.1 x 10.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of May Cassard
Terms
Object number86.0220
DescriptionThe style of this stucco head, with much of its original pigment, relates to architectural stuccoes from southern Campeche. The elongated nose was considered a symbol of beauty to the Mayan elite. It was artificially extended upwards between the brows by attaching a false bridge made of wood or wax. The slightly crossed eyes were also considered a sign of nobility attained by suspending from an infant's cradleboard, an object which hung between its eyes. A slack lower lip with exposed teeth was another characteristic of portrait heads.On View
Not on viewCollections