Mayan Masks KS2

The Maya was a fascinating civilisation located in Mesoamerica from around the year 2000 BCE until the Spanish conquistadors defeated them in the late sixteenth century. Many examples of Mayan masks have been found since then. Read on to find out all about why the Maya wore masks, what they were made out of, where they have been found and more!

What did Mayan masks look like?

Mayan masks were very vibrant and colourful. They often depicted animals because the Maya believed that animals represented spirits. For example, Kinich Ahau was the sun god and was often represented by a jaguar, eagle, or deer, all of which symbolised power. The rain god, Chaac, had fish scales and reptilian features.

Mayan masks most often used the colours gold, turquoise, burnt red, black, and green.

A replica of a Mayan mask from Campeche

What were Mayan masks made from?

Mayan masks were made from a variety of materials, including stone, gold, shells, obsidian (a kind of volcanic rock) and wood. The most elaborate masks were delicate mosaics made from jade.

What were Mayan masks used for?

The Maya wore masks for many different reasons and occasions, including:

• Celebrating events, such as weddings, births or other ceremonies
• In battle to intimidate the enemy
• Adorning the dead in order to protect the deceased as they made their journey to the underworld
• As decorations in homes and temples
• For communicating with the dead (the masks were believed to help connect the wearer with gods or the dead)

Mayan funerary masks

Some of the most famous examples of Mayan masks are funerary masks, such as that of Lord Pakal. This elaborate jade mask was found in Palenque in 1952 after having been buried in a tomb for over 1000 years. It is believed that it was used in his funeral ceremony. Funerary masks were commonly used by the Maya in order to protect people in their voyage to the underworld.

The death mask of Lord Pakal