A Pre-Columbian Mask

Chimu Culture Northern Peru Funerary Mask ca. A.D. 1100-1400 Height 10 - inches Width 16 - inches Museum purchase with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Ralf Kircher and Mr. Louise Jacobs, 1967.46

This mask was buried for more than 500 years! It is made of gold and copper and was probably originally covered with red paint, semiprecious stones, shells and colorful feathers. The Chimu people believed in the afterlife. This mask would ensure that the mummy wearing it would enjoy wealth and prosperity in the next life.

Hands-on Art Connection: Mosaic Mask

1. Print out the mask design
2. Glue the mask design onto a piece of thin cardboard
3. Cut out the mask
4. Cut colored paper into small pieces
5. Glue objects and paper pieces onto the mask to create a mosaic

Materials

• Assorted colored paper pieces (make sure it's OK to use the paper you find)
• Miscellaneous small colorful objects such as buttons & drink lids (make sure it's OK to use these, too)
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Thin cardboard (side of cereal box will work)
• Printed mask design