Mask Item Number: Sf566 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A mask made of sheet metal with humanoid features. Has an overall square shape. The mask is convexly shaped in the upper area and has holes in each corner. Two cotton strings are attached through the upper holes. The eyes are almond-shaped and the nose is in high relief. The small, downturned mouth is flanked by diagonal lines defining the cheeks. Metal areas show through a black layer. There are textile impressions on the area around the mouth.
History Of Use
The dead are generally placed in a seated, flexed position and wrapped in layers of cloth. In important burials, masks like this were positioned over the face area of the mummy bundle. Like this specimen, masks were frequently covered with red paint. The almond shaped eye compares most closely with masks from the south coast area.
Narrative
Ica or chincha style ? Late Intermediate Period; 1000-1470 C.E.
Item History
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- Sf566
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- copper metal ?, paint ?, cotton fibre, silver metal ?, gold metal and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- hammered, gilded, embossed, painted, plied and spun
- Overall
- height 5.2 cm, width 16.4 cm, depth 14.8 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 1000 and 1470
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0711/0068