Ceramic Mask
Tlatilco was a place which is now the basin of Mexico. In this area, masks were typically very bizarre or represented supernatural beings, as shown below. This specific mask dates from the 12th – 9th century BCE. This mask is pretty unlike the others in that the facial characteristics are exaggerated: the bulging eyes and the tongue sticking out. There are also aspects of animals in this mask, such as the serpent ears, which is probably representing their strong beliefs in animals deities, that of a serpent god. This mask actually has holes in the eyes and mouth but based on its dimensions it was too small to be worn on the face. It does have holes on the sides (under the ears), which meant that it could be tied to a sculpture. (1)
1. Metmuseum.org. Accessed April 15, 2021. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313266.