Artwork Page for Elongated Mask Ornament

Details / Information for Elongated Mask Ornament

Elongated Mask Ornament

c. 900–300 BCE
Measurements
Overall: 13.8 cm (5 7/16 in.)
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Description

Small masks made of precious media-especially greenstone, which Mesoamerican people valued above most other materials-likely served as elements of Olmec elite regalia. Such masks commonly depict human faces, although it is unclear whether the creature shown on this unusual example is human or supernatural. It may be a late work.
A greenstone, a mottled dark-green rock with black spots, depicts a vertically elongated face. A band with a circular indentation crosses the forehead above almond-shaped eye holes and a wide nose. The mouth is open and downturned. Below the chin, an incised bar sits above a rounded tab carved with three concentric semicircles. Where the stone is carved out for the eyes and mouth, it appears pale green.

Elongated Mask Ornament

c. 900–300 BCE

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork