Mixtec Mask

Mexica rulers commissioned the creation of fine artwork from artisans throughout the empire. An area famous for their production of turquoise mosaics was the Valley of Oaxaca where the Mixtec lived. This mask is an example of such finely detailed and crafted mosaics. Turquoise was available in limited areas within Mesoamerica and was more common to the American Southwest region, thus indicating the existence of long-distance trade networks. Unfortunately, most masks of this type lack contextual information, making it a challenge to understand specifically how, when, and where they were used.