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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Mask
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Mask

Artist/Maker (Gulf Coast, Mexico)
Dateca. 1500-400 BCE
Mediumgreenstone
DimensionsOverall: 3 7/8 x 4 x 2 5/8 in. (9.8 x 10.2 x 6.7 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2006.36.8
    DescriptionOlmec stone masks are abundant in the archaeological record and are often found in burials and offerings. The specific function of these masks is unclear, but it is unlikely they were made to be worn, as most have no eye or nostril holes and are usually smaller than an average human face. This mask departs from a naturalistic depiction of human characteristics in a number of ways. The forehead shows a variation of the typical Olmec cleft, while below two recessed areas indicate the eye sockets. The nose is short and wide with open nostrils, and toothless gums and a tongue can be seen in the large, gaping mouth. The exaggerated emphasis on the mouth suggests a strong symbolic significance, perhaps a representation of a cave as entrance to the underworld. The iconography on this mask suggests the Olmec avian-jaguar motif, a combination of animal attributes that pertain to diverse natural realms.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 200-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lula people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chokwe people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated