Mexican Maya and Aztec Ceramic Skull Motif Mask, "Maya Tzompantli"

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an original mask that blends elements of both Maya and Aztec art and culture. The face depicts the Sun Jaguar of the underworld seen in an incense burner from the Classic Maya site of Palenque. The mouth makes reference to Chac, the Maya rain god. Covered with skulls, the headdress is an interpretation of the Aztec tzompantli, a rack where the heads of sacrificial victims were displayed as an offering to the gods.