Masks in Inca, Maya and Aztec Culture
Welcome to South America! There are three ancient cultures that come to mind when discussing South America: Inca, Aztec and Maya. In all three of these cultures, masks are a commonplace technology and a form of art. Typically, masks of this region were used as ornaments, for rituals and as death masks (Aztec History)
The following video from National Geographic shows images of masks recently found in a Maya temple in what is now Guatemala. This temple is estimated to have been established for the city ruler in 350-400 BC and is home to many different Maya masks (National Geographic). It highlights a unique use of masks in this part of the world.
This example of Maya masks shows the unique nature of masks in Ancient South American cultures in that they are not generally designed for wear, but rather as integrated parts of temples (Aztec History).
On the other hand, death masks are another use of masks in this region and are designed to be adorned on bodies. in Inca culture death masks were given to individuals of importance in society . This practice is consistent throughout Inca civilizations but mask design can be different depending on what part of what is now modern day Peru they are found in (About Peru). Although death masks in these cultures have different artistic styles, they serve similar purposes to those found in Egypt and North American Native cultures. To learn more about these types of masks continue travelling!
On the other hand, death masks are another use of masks in this region and are designed to be adorned on bodies. in Inca culture death masks were given to individuals of importance in society . This practice is consistent throughout Inca civilizations but mask design can be different depending on what part of what is now modern day Peru they are found in (About Peru). Although death masks in these cultures have different artistic styles, they serve similar purposes to those found in Egypt and North American Native cultures. To learn more about these types of masks continue travelling!