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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Mask
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: 7 5/8 x 7 3/8 x 4 3/8 in. (19.4 x 18.7 x 11.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2009.5
    DescriptionThis greenstone mask displays a great sensitivity to the natural features of a human face and may represent a portrait or death mask of an individual. The mouth is rendered with great realism to reveal a line of well defined teeth and provide the face with a lively expression. The long nose and rectangular ears imbue the mask with a symmetry and authority that convey Olmec aesthetic ideals. Strength and stoicism in a rather genderless form are seen again and again in Olmec high-status art. The two holes in the ear lobes suggest the inclusion of jewelry and the single incisions across the bridge of the nose may represent a facial tattoo. This masterpiece of stonework was made without the use of any metal or mechanized tools and must have consumed many hours in the life of the craftsperson.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Pendant
    Aztec
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Hunchback Figure
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask of a God and Two Panel Figures
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 400
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jar
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 850-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baby Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    eMuseum
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