This mask depicts
Xipe Totec (“our lord the flayed one”) who was the Aztec god of planting. The Aztec’s also believed him to be a
prominent figure in fertility. The Aztec
people were a culture that had an intense focus on warfare and sacrifice, and
there was nothing different about Xipe Totec and the rituals that took place in
his honor. These rituals involved a
gladiator style sacrifice of an Aztec victim who’s skin was then flayed from
their body and placed over the mask and worn until they eventually rotted off
(so incredibly disturbing!). To the
Aztec’s, this symbolized a rebirth and renewal of the seasons as well as the
natural life cycle of the maize kernel.
When I look at this
mask, my focus first turns to the prominent mouth. The odd depiction of a mouth inside of a
mouth is strange and eerie, a representation of the god’s mouth inside that of
the flayed victim’s skin. The eyes
appear to be partially closed as if the deity is glaring towards its intended
victim and it makes me feel as though his glance was one that could see right
through them. The eyebrows are defined
as well, as though a slight scowl is present on the face, a scowl indicative of
power and intensity.
To me, the mask gives
off an unfriendly and violent feel, which I find to be ironic considering the
deity had ties to fertility. For me,
when I think about fertility, obviously coming from a much more modern outlook,
I think of pregnancy and of bringing new life into the world. From this perspective, I would expect
something almost angelic – one that would portray happiness and love. Instead, with this mask, the feeling of malevolence
is here, but in a seemingly subtle and low-key manner – the mask does not
necessarily scream brutal sacrifice - which is disturbing in and of itself when
you think about the hostile acts that were conducted on the victims.
I, too, think it's very disturbing that they actually put human skin on these masks. To them, it must have been an incredible sign of power. I hadn't really observed the " mouth in a mouth" visual, but I find it very interesting. I wonder what it represents? Maybe folds of skin around the mouth? Dimples? I agree that this mask is eerie and unfriendly.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, you provided very interesting information about this mask. I, also wonder why they made it look so frightening when he was the deity of planting and fertility? And why were the Aztecs such savages :(
ReplyDeleteThis mask representing a fertilty god is most disturbing especially knowing how human skin was worn over it untill it rot. It seems to be that the gods to Aztecs were to be feared, they had the power and had to be pleased. But the way the eyes, eyebrows and mouth(s)are shaped they seem to encourage the idea that they are almighty. I agree the word fertility, now, sounds more of that angel way you present it it certainly does not fit Xipe Totec's facial features much less how the rituals were undertaken.
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