False Face from Mummy Bundle
Artist/Maker
Chancay
(Central Coast, Peru)
Date1200-1450
Mediumcotton, wool, silver, feathers, braided plant fiber and paint
DimensionsOverall (Bundle): 20 1/2 × 13 1/8 × 9 1/4 in. (52.1 × 33.3 × 23.5 cm)
Overall (With Hanging Elements): 67 in. (170.2 cm)
Overall (With Hanging Elements): 67 in. (170.2 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
Object number90.0098
DescriptionAt many Chancy burial sites, a "tomb guard" was positioned at the entrance to tombs or sacred places. A mask of this type was normally placed on top of an amorphous bundle of plain cloth. This example was made of a cotton textile stuffed with raw cotton, leaves and grasses. Other examples were made of wood or metal. Textile masks from the Vilcahuaura area were adorned with silver eyes, nose and mouth. Blue feathers were placed behind the metal, and wool threads simulate eye lashes. A silver band outlines the entire face which was painted with brick-red pigments. A textile band is wrapped around the head so that the tassels hang on either side of the face. Accessory tapestry bands hang from the base of the head, one of which ends in an anthropomorphic fish design.On View
Not on viewCollections