Tlatilco
Maskette
Tlatilco, 900
Physical Qualities
Earthenware, yellow and red pigment, 4 3/4 in. (12 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Bernice Barth, Los Angeles
Object Number
2004.229
This example is carefully modeled to form a cylindrical bowl-shape. Small oval eye and mouth openings have been carved through the clay. A nose and severely exaggerated cheekbones have been appliquéd to the mask surface. The cheeks are pierced but the holes do not extend through the clay. Holes in the sidewalls of the mask (three at the base of the chin, one on either side of the eyes) suggest it was suspended over the face of a larger figure. Traces of yellow and red paint are visible on the outer portion of the maskette. The interior surface has not been slipped or painted.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2004; Bernice Barth, Los Angeles
According to Barth, her husband Arthur purchased the object in Los Angeles from Bob Lindsley in 1960, 10 years prior to federal import restrictions (e.g., UNESCO 1970). It is my observation that the maskette conforms to the style and technology of comparable Tlatilco maskettes of known authenticity.
According to Barth, her husband Arthur purchased the object in Los Angeles from Bob Lindsley in 1960, 10 years prior to federal import restrictions (e.g., UNESCO 1970). It is my observation that the maskette conforms to the style and technology of comparable Tlatilco maskettes of known authenticity.
