Carved mask of a human head c. 5th - 6th century

This carved stone mask of a human head was produced by the Toltec people. The Toltec civilization flourished in central Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries. It is thought that this mask, with its closed eyes and serene expression, may have been used in religious ceremonies to honor the gods or to connect with ancestors. The social structure of the Toltec civilization was highly stratified, with a ruling elite of priests and warriors. It is likely that the creation and use of objects like this mask were closely controlled by the elite, who would have used them to reinforce their power and authority. The materials and tools used to carve this mask, along with the labor involved, speak to the Toltec’s sophisticated understanding of their environment and their ability to harness its resources. Historians rely on archaeological finds like this, along with written sources when available, to understand past social practices. In this way we can learn more about the role of art within a culture.