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Overview
A set of three miniature Mexican terracotta face masks made as wall hangings, each with a different face. The first has round cheeks, a broad nose and an open mouth with the tongue out. The second is a calm face framed by a headdress of round discs under a ribbed band painted blue-green, with a notched outer border. The third is an older man's face with a long nose, closed eyes, deep lines around the mouth and a small ear on one side. Two are finished in a matte red wash, and the headdress mask has blue-green and grey-brown color over orange clay. Each one has a hollow back and a hanging hole at the top, so they suit a gallery wall, a shelf or a curio cabinet.
Background
Small clay faces like these are made in Mexico as decorative pieces that draw on ancient Mesoamerican art, including Maya and Teotihuacan figurine heads with disc headdresses and expressive features. These three are decorative pieces, not archaeological finds, and they are unmarked and undated. The clay is a red-orange earthenware with the color applied over the surface, and the back of the headdress mask is painted blue.
Condition
Good condition with no breaks or visible repairs. The surfaces are rough and matte, with small pits, rubbed color and rough edges from the making. Two masks hang from clear filament and one from a twine loop. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The open-mouth mask is 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.5 inches (H x W x D). The headdress mask is 3.3 x 2.4 x 1.0 inches (H x W x D). The older man's face is 3.0 x 1.5 x 1.3 inches (H x W x D). The set of three weighs about 6 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
