Miniature Mask
Mixtec
1300–1400
Medium
Wood, gold foil, and shell with pigment and resin
Dimensions
H.: 14 cm (5 1/2 in.)
Classification
wood
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
111459
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Small masks such as this were worn as part of ceremonial attire. Figures representing deities and ancestors were often attached to the costumes of the dancers and performers who enacted mythical and historic dramas during theatrical ritual presentations.