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Masks

Information Table
NameClay mask with feline features
IDAEH Cultural Property No1.2.179.0046
CategoryMasks
Photograph
Photo creditsJorge Pérez de Lara (photo 1); Cultural Property Register/ IDAEH (photos 2-3)
Description

Clay mask with feline features, possibly of a jaguar. It has round eyes with drooping eyelids, revealing crescent-shaped slits. The ears are round and the nose is broad.

Square teeth and fangs protruding from the corners of the mouth are visible. The skin shows traces of black, white, and red paint.

*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.

3D Images
PeriodPOSTCLASSIC (AD 900-1520)
ProvenanceGuatemalan Highlands
Medium / MaterialClay
TechniqueAppliqué / application, Grooving, Incised, Modeled, Painting
Dimensions

Height: 16 cm
Width: 21.5 cm

References to similar objects

*A similar mask to No. 1.2.179.0044 in La Ruta Maya Foundation’s collection.

Exhibitions

1. “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)

2. Long-term loan to Centro Dental, 1st floor of the Multimédica Building (Guatemala City), starting February 18, 2021

Publications

*Cover of the Royal BC Museum Magazine. Fall 2018. Vancouver, Canada.