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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 (Central Highlands, Mexico)
Dateca. 250-550
Mediumgreenstone
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 4 5/8 in. (21 x 22.2 x 11.7 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Edward R. Roberts
Terms
    Object number2006.31.4
    DescriptionThe masks made by artists at Teotihuacan are renowned for their impenetrable tranquility and are perhaps the most iconic art from this ancient city. Long the object of collectors, such masks have been found throughout Mesoamerica at sites like the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, where they were appropriated by Aztec elites as a symbol of prestige. The shape of classic Teotihuacan masks is standardized, with the basic features formed by intersecting horizontal and vertical planes carved in stone. This mask, made of precious greenstone, has eyes and teeth, which were originally inlayed with shell, obsidian, or pyrite. It shows the typical wide forehead, robust nose, and linear eyes and mouth. The rectangular ears are pierced, indicating that ornaments of jade or metal were probably attached. Despite the basic standardization in the general shape of these masks, with predominately square or rectangular configurations, there is great variation in detail and visual expression in each individual piece. This mask achieves the greatest naturalistic effect of the three included in this exhibition.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    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
    Face Mask (Gunyege)
    Dan people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    False Face from Mummy Bundle
    Chancay
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Portrait of a Man of the Sandwich Islands in a Mask and Representation of a Man of the Sandwich Islands Dancing
    Royce
    1784-1786
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Idoma people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Lula people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Helmet Mask (Bo Nun Amuin)
    Baulé people
    not dated
    eMuseum
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