Artwork Page for Mask Ornament

Details / Information for Mask Ornament

Mask Ornament

c. 700–1550

Southern Costa Rica, (Rio Grande de Térraba, Diquís Region), Diquís Style, 8th-16th Century

Medium
hammered and cut gold
Measurements
Overall: 11.9 x 11.2 x 2.5 cm (4 11/16 x 4 7/16 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1950.417
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Panning for gold was viewed as a sacred activity among the ancient inhabitants of Costa Rica and Panama.
A hammered gold ornament features a human face with a flat top and rounded chin. Two large holes are pierced above the brow, with smaller ones at the upper corners. Horizontal slits define the eyes and wide mouth, centered by a broad, projecting nose. The thin, yellow-gold surface is creased and dented, with fine cracks along the edges, emphasizing the worn, weathered texture of the flattened metal.

Mask Ornament

c. 700–1550

Southern Costa Rica, (Rio Grande de Térraba, Diquís Region), Diquís Style, 8th-16th Century

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