Skip to main content
Greenstone Pectoral Mask, 1324-1521
Aztec or Toltec culture; Mexico
Greenstone; 3 1/2 × 3 1/2…
Pectoral Mask
Greenstone Pectoral Mask, 1324-1521
Aztec or Toltec culture; Mexico
Greenstone; 3 1/2 × 3 1/2…
Greenstone Pectoral Mask, 1324-1521 Aztec or Toltec culture; Mexico Greenstone; 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. 2021.10.1 Gift of Hisae Dickey

Pectoral Mask

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-chest ornaments
Date1324-1521
Made AtMexico, Central America, North America
Collection SiteState of Mexico, Mexico, Central America, North America
MediumGreenstone
Dimensions3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (8.9 × 8.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hisae Dickey
Object number2021.10.1
DescriptionThis object is a miniature pectoral mask carved out of greenstone and it comes from the Aztec or Toltec people. Masks of this kind were often worn by leaders or dancers as a pectoral ornament or a pendant that hung from the neck. It is pierced on both sides, indicating this use. The mask portrays a realistically structured human face, and has a squared top, which demonstrates some influence from the Teotihuacán culture.
On View
Not on view
Collections
Chest Ornament in the Form of Two Joined Fish, 500-1550 CE
probably Diquis culture; Costa Rica…
550-1550 CE
Pectoral Ornament (Tema),19th to 20th Century
Santa Cruz Islands, Temotu Province, Solomon Isl…
19th to 20th Century
Warrior's Pectoral Ornament, 20th Century
Lumi culture; Torricelli Mountains area, Sandaun Pro…
Lumi
20th Century
Initiation Mask, 20th Century
Pende people; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, fiber, pig…
Pende
20th Century
Mask (Bedu), mid 20th Century
Nafana culture; Ivory Coast
Wood and pigment; 74 1/2 × 31 × 3 3…
Nafana
mid 20th Century
Fire Dance Mask (Vungvung), 20th Century
Baining culture; Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain East …
Baining
20th Century
Chest Plate, mid to late 1800s 
Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands, Melanesia
Clam shell, turtle she…
mid to late 1800s
Helmet Mask (Kavat), 20th Century
Baining culture; Gazelle Peninsula, East New Britain Provinc…
Baining
20th Century
Helmet Mask (Kavat), 20th Century
Baining culture; Gazelle Peninsula, East New Britain Provinc…
Baining
20th Century
Helmet Mask (Kavat), 20th Century
Baining culture; Gazelle Peninsula, East New Britain Provinc…
Baining
20th Century
Boy's Day Dance Mask (Madask), 20th Century
Baining culture; Gazelle Peninsula, East New Brita…
Baining
20th Century