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Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Sculpture Molds : Mayan Sculpture Mold
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Mayan Sculpture Mold - PF.6098
Origin: El Salvador
Circa: 300
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
2.25" (5.7cm) high
x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Mayan
Medium: Terracotta
$2,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This work of art, an ancient sculptor’s mold,
grants us a unique insight into the creative
process of Mayan artists. Such a mold would
have been used in the fabrication of small
terracotta sculptures. Pressed into the wet clay,
the intricately carved pattern of the mold would
be replicated. The highly detailed pattern of the
interior belies the soft curves of the abstract
exterior. This particular mold replicates the face
of an animal, most likely a canine, but perhaps a
serpent. The most prominent feature of the face
is the elongated jaw, specifically the large, sharp
fangs visible in the open mouth. Also prominent
is the nose, which suggests this animal’s canine
attribution. This face would have presumably
been attached to a larger body while still wet. It
is possible that a generic body was used for
several different faces; it is also possible that a
specific body was intended to be joined with this
face only. This little mold, as functional as it is,
was once used to create images of gods. That
sacred idols worthy of worship could be created
from this mold implies that the mold itself has
some inherent power. Clearly, in the hands of a
master sculptor, this mold has the power to
embody the gods. Today, this mold is a relic of
ancient artistry, transplanted from an ancient
Mayan workshop into our hands, linking us
directly with the creative process of long
forgotten sculptors.
- (PF.6098)
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