1996.94 Face panel (Teotihuacan, Mexico)

The human face was a popular sculptural theme at Teotihuacan (Teotihuacán), where it was carved in a range of sizes and in a variety of stones. The face is generally triangular in shape and has a wide, low forehead. The eyes are not pierced, but their deep cavities were originally inlaid with a contrasting, less permanent material. The everted lips may once have framed inlaid teeth. It is often thought that the masks were funerary and would have been attached to funerary bundles. The scale of this example suggests another function. Drilled holes would have allowed attachment, perhaps to an image of the human figure made from perishable material. Impersonal yet imposing, the masks convey an emblematic sense of authority.

Carol Robbins, Label text [1973.49], A. H. Meadows Galleries, 2010.

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Teotihuacán: AAT: 300017031

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Teotihuacán (deserted settlement): TGN: 7007218

alabaster (mineral): AAT: 300011101

carving: AAT: 300053149

incising: AAT: 300053847

polishing (finishing): AAT: 300053867

drillwork (sculpture technique): AAT: 300186211

Teotihuacán III Period (Tlamimilolpa): AAT: 300017018

Classic (mesoamerican period): AAT: 300016983

face masks: AAT: 300262834

faces (animal or human components): AAT: 300251798

face: DMA

masks (costume): AAT: 300138758

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

funerary sculpture: AAT: 300184644

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

human figures: AAT: 300404114

eyes (animal or human components): AAT: 300400484

nose: DMA

mouth: DMA

authority (concepts): DMA

Until d. 1996: Sarah Dorsey Brown Hudson, Dallas (d. 1996) [1], [2]

From 1996: Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Sarah Dorsey Brown Hudson [1], [2], [3], [4]

[1] The main source for this provenance is existing information in TMS. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition List (dated April 02, 1996, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[3] The main source for this provenance is Will of Sarah Dorsey Brown Hudson (dated June 03, 1995, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[4] The main source for this provenance is Committee on Collections Record (dated June 13, 1996, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

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