Miniature mask c. 1500

This small ceramic mask, likely used in ritual or ceremonial practices, is a remarkable artifact from the Tlatilco culture of Mesoamerica. Dating back to around 1500 CE, it displays a stylized human face with exaggerated features, including large, round eyes, a prominent nose, and a slightly open mouth. This minimalist and expressive approach to the human form is typical of Tlatilco art, often reflecting their beliefs and social structures. Today, it is preserved in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering insight into the rich cultural history of ancient Mesoamerica.