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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Portrait Head
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Portrait Head

Artist/Maker (Mesoamerica)
Dateca. 600-900
Mediumstucco and paint
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/4 x 7 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (19.7 x 18.1 x 10.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of May Cassard
Terms
    Object number86.0220
    DescriptionThe style of this stucco head, with much of its original pigment, relates to architectural stuccoes from southern Campeche. The elongated nose was considered a symbol of beauty to the Mayan elite. It was artificially extended upwards between the brows by attaching a false bridge made of wood or wax. The slightly crossed eyes were also considered a sign of nobility attained by suspending from an infant's cradleboard, an object which hung between its eyes. A slack lower lip with exposed teeth was another characteristic of portrait heads.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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