Artwork Page for Oculate Being Mask

Details / Information for Oculate Being Mask

Oculate Being Mask

300 BCE–1 CE (thermoluminescence date, 835 BC–185 CE)

Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style

(700 BCE–1 CE)
Medium
ceramic, resin-based paint
Measurements
Overall: 23.6 x 22.5 x 13.2 cm (9 5/16 x 8 7/8 x 5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2003.39
Public Domain
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Location
232 Andean
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Description

This rare mask incarnates a supernatural being who may have been the patron of an early fertility cult on Peru’s south coast. Its traits insinuate power, especially the stuck-out tongue and the serpents that slither over the face to form a halo-like corona. Unexplained are the shape of the nose and the small figure wearing a similar mask. The mask could have served as the face of a mummy bundle or an object; the projecting eyes might rule out use by a living performer.
A circular ceramic mask is painted burnt orange with dark red and black detailing. The mask has holes for eyes, a narrow, vertical strip jutting out as a nose, and a thin, curving up mouth incised with squares like teeth. A smaller figure with a similar face extends from the forehead and is flanked on each side by three rectangular knobs where black serpent heads jut out after snaking across the face. Below the mouth are three, more rounded knobs.

Oculate Being Mask

300 BCE–1 CE (thermoluminescence date, 835 BC–185 CE)

Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style (700 BCE–1 CE)

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