01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Clay mask with feline features, possibly of a jaguar. It has round, hollowed-out eyes; round ears that taper slightly to a point; and a blunt nose with two round protuberances. The snout is closed with a protruding upper lip, visible teeth, and fangs protruding on each side.

The skin shows traces of black, white, and red paint. A fissure runs transversely across the middle of the mask.

*Although the Cultural Property Register (IDAEH) classifies it as belonging to the Classic period (250–900 AD), it is possible that it dates to a later time—the Postclassic period (900–1520 AD).

*Donation by Hector Santamarina in 2013

Note:

The Ajq’ijab‘ of Chimaltenango made an offering to this mask, indicating that “the jaguars were happy to have come out [to the exhibition]” prior to the opening of “THE IMAGES OF THE MAYAN GODS IN THE 16TH CENTURY: The Encounter of Two Worlds” at the CFCE Antigua in July 2019.

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.)

Provenance

Guatemalan Highlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Appliqué / application, Grooving, Incised, Modeled, Painting

Dimensions

Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 23.3 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

*A similar mask to No. 1.2.179.0046 in La Ruta Maya Foundation’s collection.

Exhibitions

“IMAGES OF THE MAYAN GODS IN THE 16TH CENTURY: The Encounter of Two Worlds.” Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (July 16, 2019 – March 1, 2020)

“SYNCRETISM: The Encounter of Two Worlds and Their Beliefs (The Verapaces)”. Former Main Cloister of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Santo Domingo Church. Guatemala City (March 20 – June 28, 2026)

Publications

* Video for the SYNCRETISM exhibition: https://youtube.com/shorts/IYZ3QMmVDw4