carving, sculpture
carving
stone
sculpture
figuration
sculpture
indigenous-americas
Dimensions: 7 1/4 x 7 x 2 3/4 in. (18.4 x 17.8 x 7 cm) (without mount)
Copyright: Public Domain
This mask was carved by Mayan hands from stone. The smooth, grey material is deceptively heavy, its density a clue to the laborious process of creation. The mask’s features are carefully rendered. Shallow relief carving defines the eyes, nose, and mouth, each line precise and deliberate. Notice the subtle variations in depth, creating shadows that animate the face. Stone carving is subtractive; the artist removes material to reveal the final form. Every chip and scrape requires patience and skill. The mask’s cool, solemn presence speaks to the cultural significance of the stone and the artistry required to shape it. It’s a reminder that art is not just about the final image, but about the journey of making, and the profound connection between maker, material, and meaning.
Comments
This stone mask represents one aspect of the Maya jaguar god. Such masks, often made of stone, wood or copper, were used in rituals by high-ranking members of society. Mask wearers were ceremonially transformed into the being portrayed and could interact with the spirit world. The jaguar god, one of the Mayas' most powerful deities, represented night, shadows, war, and sacrifice. He is identified by the three dots on each cheek of the mask, symbolizing the spots of a jaguar. Royalty used jaguar motifs and images on a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, armor, and masks, to demonstrate their power and emphasize their relationship with the god.
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