The Three Generations Mask

Technique: emery and dremel.
 
An intimate connection is established between the spectator and his reflection in this obsidian interpretation of The Three Generations Mask. The anthropomorphic mask illustrates the stages of life and the death of the elite Mexica man. Aztec iconography embodies the piece dating back to the pre-Hispanic classical period (200-600 A.D.) its place of origin is unknown.
 
The mask is formed by three faces of the same individual who wore a “quequetzalli “or “tutzal” made of feather plumes marking the distinction of wealth, abundance, fertility and power in Mesoamerica. 
 
The helmet crowns the forehead of each face as used by Mexican royalty, but with Teotihuacan iconographic influence. The finely delineated facial features express the contrasting moods that hint at the future of life and the ages of the individual such as youth, old age and death.
 
The band that supports the plumages is framed by horizontal stripes and represented with circles in a row, inlaid beads that used to be jade or chalchihuites (Jade Inlays) that evidences the high rank of this individual in Mexica society.
 
The full face, that of the young man, wears a tapered headband "xiuhuizolli" topped on the edge by a feathered central helmet that denotes his royalty. Superimposed is the representation of the faces of the twilight of life, interpreted with two identical masks of descended appearance, furrowed by wrinkles, denoting that it has lost its vigor and strength due to old age. United with feather trims are the overlapping faces that embody death, these show off ostentatious hanging discoid earmuffs that cover the ears as part of the jewelry of Mexica high society.