Veracruz Terracotta Sculpture Mold - PF.6104 (DB.044)),Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD,Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) depth,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Terracotta. This work of art, an ancient sculptor’s mold, grants us a unique insight into the creative process of Mayan artists. Such a mold would have been used in the fabrication of small terracotta sculptures. Pressed into the wet clay, the intricately carved pattern of the mold would be replicated. The highly detailed pattern of the interior belies the soft curves of the abstract exterior. This particular mold replicates a human face, perhaps that of a king or shaman. The large nose is the most prominent feature, in addition to the slightly open, frowning mouth and eyes with their clearly defined pupils. Who is this person? We can only guess. From the carefully groomed hairline, we can at least extrapolate that he was someone of high rank within the Mayan social hierarchy. This face would have presumably been attached to a larger body while still wet. It is possible that a generic body was used for several different faces; it is also possible that a specific body was intended to be joined with this face only. This little mold, as functional as it is, was once used to create images of gods. That sacred idols worthy of worship could be created from this mold implies that the mold itself has some inherent power. Clearly, in the hands of a master sculptor, this mold has the power to embody the gods. Today, this mold is a relic of ancient artistry, transplanted from an ancient Mayan workshop into our hands, linking us directly with the creative process of long forgotten sculptors.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico