Artwork Page for Vessel with Deity Mask

Details / Information for Vessel with Deity Mask

Vessel with Deity Mask

1200–900 BCE

Central Mexico (Las Bocas, Puebla?), Olmec, Formative Period

Medium
ceramic, traces of pigment
Measurements
Overall: 18 x 17.1 x 15.9 cm (7 1/16 x 6 3/4 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2002.67
Public Domain
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Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
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Description

This unusual vessel is made of a U-shaped container and a sheet of clay modeled as a deity mask that is startling in its power: pierced eyes glare from the shadow of a muscular brow; the chin juts aggressively; and the part-bird, part-jaguar mouth opens in a shriek. This may be the face of the Olmec rain deity, the inspiration for much Olmec ritual and many accomplished works of art. The vessel may come from a grave or a buried offering.
A dark gray ceramic mask vessel features a heavy brow ridge, a wide rectangular opening, and a beaklike nose curving toward an open mouth. The mouth is formed by stylized scrolls, and rectangular ears with horizontal lines flank the face. The matte surface shows light scuffs and traces of red pigment in the recesses. The composition is heavy and rounded, tapering into a smooth, broad chin.

Vessel with Deity Mask

1200–900 BCE

Central Mexico (Las Bocas, Puebla?), Olmec, Formative Period

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