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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: 4 7/8 x 4 3/8 x 3 in. (12.4 x 11.1 x 7.6 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2007.52.6
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    DescriptionGreenstone of all types was highly prized in ancient Mesoamerica for its resemblance to young sprouts of corn that appeared annually after the first rains. The brilliant green color and luster of the stone from which this mask is made is perhaps its most attractive element. The facial features demonstrate a perfect balance of stylized and naturalistic characteristics. The eyes, eyebrows, and ears have been rendered in a minimalistic style, with only basic incisions to suggest the contours. By contrast, the nose and mouth are depicted with great realism: The nose is rounded with flaring nostrils and the upper lip curls to show teeth in the characteristic Olmec expression. Two holes at the corners of the mouth are also typical of such masks and have been interpreted as guides in the stone working process.
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dragon
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Toad
    Olmec
    ca. 800-300 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
    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
    Figure
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Mezcala
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Pendant
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    eMuseum
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