Masks Blog

This blog is about the mask that is believed to represent Quetzalcoatl, the mythical God that returns, or Tlaloc, the Rain God. As both gods have a similar significance, it is not unusual that this mask could represent either deity. The mask is a mosaic of heaven colored turquoise blending with light green, having a similar pattern to a snake's scales. The snake represents a flowing of blood, similar to offerings for Tlaloc or Quetzalcoatl. Both Gods can be associated with snakes or blood offerings, as Quetzalcoatl would have required blood demands for tribute, and Tlaloc for the cycle of life. The wide, deep-set eyes form an infinity symbol (perhaps no significance), but the pronounced circles around the eye sockets resemble two snakes, coiled with heads facing each other above. The deep set eyes give the impression of a skull, but the mask almost looks alive as if a live snake is coiled about it. The green and blue stones have been aligned to give an effect of layering, as the snake doubles over itself in areas around the nose and upper lip. The two gods can be be perceived in this mask as the duality of the blue and green snake. It could signify the desire of humans to have Tlaloc return, and bring life, and also for Quetzalcoatl to return in his worldly form. There are also human-like teeth still in place, that could represent Quetzalcoatl in the human form.