Turquoise mosaics were common embellishments for Aztec masks.
Aztec masks were used as temple decorations, death masks, tribute and as ceremonial costume in pagan rituals. Although many of these highly artistic artifacts were destroyed or stolen by Spanish invaders, some pieces have survived and are on display in modern museums. Studies of the Aztec, or Mexica, culture can be greatly enriched through projects that explore the craftsmanship and artistry of these masks.
Death Masks
In Aztec masks, death was represented by closed eyes and an open mouth. Stone sculptures also illustrated the Aztec belief that death brought rebirth. These sculptures split the death mask into two pieces and displayed a second face inside with eyes open and the mouth closed. Show students example photos of Aztec death masks; the British Museum has an online collection. Then, ask them to create their own versions from modeling clay. Students may choose to flatten their clay into a slab and use pencils or some other pointed instrument to draw in the face; or they may form the clay into an egg shaped ball, and sculpt their mask.
Ceremonial Masks
Ceremonial masks were often worn by priests and dancers in religious ceremonies. These masks were usually representative of Aztec gods such as Xiuhtecuhtli, Tlaloc or Tezcatlipoca. Ceremonial masks often had wood bases with inlays of precious metals, turquoise mosaics or shells. They were sometimes embellished with feathers and lined with deerskin. Students can make their own version of ceremonial masks by using a plastic face form as a base for a paper mache mask. They can embellish the mask with metallic paint, construction paper mosaics and feathers.
Tribute Masks
Craftsmen made masks as tributes to various gods, for use in rituals and ceremonies. A tribute of turquoise masks was sent annually to the Aztec capital from the people of Oaxaca. These masks were sometimes made of ceramics. Provide polymer clay for the students to mold a face mask. Students can inlay small glass mosaic tiles into their design before baking.
Decorative Masks
Masks of stone, obsidian and clay were often intended for display in temples rather than as masks to be worn. Snakes were a common theme, as they represented the gods Quetzalcoatl or Tlaloc. Bands of colors such as black or green were also used to represent certain deities. Show students examples of decorative masks such as that of Tezcatlipoca on display at the British Museum, then allow them to create their own design. Students may draw their own masks or color in clip-art designs provided by the teacher.
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