Miniature Mosaic Mask300–900 CE

On view:

Geffen Galleries

Title: Miniature Mosaic Mask
Culture: Maya
Place Made: Guatemala
Date Made: 300–900 CE
Medium: Greenstone and Spondylus shell
Dimensions: Diameter: 3/10 in. (0.762 cm); 2 1/2 x 2 4/5 x 1 in. (6.35 x 7.112 x 2.54 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number: M.2010.115.489
Classification: Stone
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: This miniature mosaic mask, composed primarily of greenstone and Spondylus shell tiles, forms the visage of an ancestor or perhaps a deity. His headdress bears the head of a deity with spiral-shaped pupils and a protruding shark’s tooth. Miniature greenstone masks like this one, along with their larger counterparts, depict deities, ancestors, and in some cases may serve as portraits, but it is unlikely they were worn on the face. Rather, they formed part of royal dress assemblages, worn as pendants on necklaces, belts, and other items of adornment. Embodying the essences of revered personages and precious materials, masks were potent objects in Classic Maya society.

Alyce de Carteret

2024

On view:

Geffen Galleries

Title: Miniature Mosaic Mask
Culture: Maya
Place Made: Guatemala
Date Made: 300–900 CE
Medium: Greenstone and Spondylus shell
Dimensions: Diameter: 3/10 in. (0.762 cm); 2 1/2 x 2 4/5 x 1 in. (6.35 x 7.112 x 2.54 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number: M.2010.115.489
Classification: Stone
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: This miniature mosaic mask, composed primarily of greenstone and Spondylus shell tiles, forms the visage of an ancestor or perhaps a deity. His headdress bears the head of a deity with spiral-shaped pupils and a protruding shark’s tooth. Miniature greenstone masks like this one, along with their larger counterparts, depict deities, ancestors, and in some cases may serve as portraits, but it is unlikely they were worn on the face. Rather, they formed part of royal dress assemblages, worn as pendants on necklaces, belts, and other items of adornment. Embodying the essences of revered personages and precious materials, masks were potent objects in Classic Maya society.

Alyce de Carteret

2024