The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 19, 2024
Oculate Being Mask
300 BCE–1 CE (thermoluminescence date, 835 BC–185 CE)
(Cavernas) style (700 BCE–1 CE)
Overall: 23.6 x 22.5 x 13.2 cm (9 5/16 x 8 7/8 x 5 3/16 in.)
Location: 232 Andean
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.- Bergh, Susan E., "Ancient Eyes", Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine. Vol. 44 no. 06, Summer 2004 Mentioned & reproduced: p. 8-9 archive.orgCleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine. Vol. 53 no. 03, May/June 2013 Mentioned and reproduced: p. 10 archive.org
- {{cite web|title=Oculate Being Mask|url=false|author=|year=300 BCE–1 CE (thermoluminescence date, 835 BC–185 CE)|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.39