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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 (Central Highlands, Mexico)
Dateca. 250-550
Mediumgreenstone
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 5 1/8 in. (21.6 x 21.6 x 13 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2007.52.2
    DescriptionThe square shape of this mask contrasts sharply with the prominently triangular nose of its human face. The eyes and eyebrows have been reduced to simple horizontal lines. The natural pattern of the greenstone provides the mask with a lively effect despite the minimalistic rendering of its facial features. The specific function of Teotihuacan masks is uncertain but they have been interpreted as elements of funerary bundles. The holes in the ears, and occasionally in the forehead, indicate that they may have been attached to larger objects such as an effigy made of perishable materials.
    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
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lambayeque-Sicán
    800-1350
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 400-700
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 350-550
    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
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 350-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900