Ritual performer wearing Buccal Mask

DateAD 600-750

Label TextThis figure of a snake charmer wears a buccal (mouth) mask that may represent Ehecatl, a Wind-Fertility god with features of birds and serpents. He holds a serpent in his mouth as he gestures in an expressive manner. The facial features are sensitively modeled, but there is also an overall naturalism to the figure, especially the hands and feet. Exquisite renditions of the headdress and loincloth suggest jade adornments. Some of the original white paint remains on the face.

Object number2017.33.2

Provenance[Giselle Charat, Houston, Texas], 1968; sold to Mr. and Mrs. (Dena Marienthal) Louis J. Galen, Los Angeles, California, 1968-76; as part of divorce settlement, Dena Marienthal, Los Angeles, California, 1976-99; [Sotheby's New York, Nov. 22, 1999, lot no. 166]; purchased at auction by Christine and Assen Nicolov, Seattle, Washington, 1999; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2017

Photo CreditPhoto: Mark Woods

Exhibition HistoryLos Angeles, California, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Ancient Art of Veracruz, 1971. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Cosmic Beings in Mesoamerican and Andean Art, Nov. 10, 2018 - ongoing. Published ReferencesAncient Art of Veracruz, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, 1971, figure 111 Pre-Columbian Art, Sotheby's, New York, November 22, 1999, lot no. 166

Credit LineGift of Christine and Assen Nicolov, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

DimensionsHeight: 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm)

MediumCeramic