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Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Sculpture Molds : Mayan Sculpture Mold
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Mayan Sculpture Mold - PF.6096
Origin: El Salvador
Circa: 300
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
5" (12.7cm) high
x 4" (10.2cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$2,500.00
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 smooth, abstract exterior.
This particular mold replicates the front half of a
frightful deity or spirit. With spiky hair standing
on end and his arms raised into the air, this
bizarre creature is clearly meant to frighten us,
or perhaps, more likely, evil spirits. His mouth is
open, his teeth exposed. Most likely, the molded
clay, while still wet, would have been attached to
a back mold defining the hindquarters of the
creature, thus completing the sculpture. It is
also possible that the back half would have been
left unadorned, thus focusing attention to the
molded design of the front. This little mold, as
functional as it is, was once used to create
images of gods and sacred animals. That idols
worthy of worship or spirits able to frighten away
evildoers 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 and
give form to 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.6096)
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