Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Figure with Bird Mask
Not on view
As part of their royal duties, ancient Maya kings and queens would impersonate avian deities during masked performances. Found at the center of an altar in a tomb, this figurine portrays a ruler seated on a blue-green throne wearing a bird mask; the hooked beak recalls that of a raptor, and finely wrought details represent jade ornaments and luxury textiles.
Parte de las obligaciones reales de los antiguos reyes y reinas mayas incluían la imitación de deidades aviares durante las actuaciones con máscaras. Esta figurilla hallada en el centro del altar de una tumba retrata a un gobernante sentado en un trono verde azulado llevando en su rostro una máscara de pájaro. El pico en forma de anzuelo evoca el de un ave rapaz. Los detalles finamente forjados representan ornamentos de jade y lujosos textiles.
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