Mud Mask

A mud mask is a funerary mask that acted as portraits. In their prime, they would have depicted distinct renderings of the deceased mud man; with different headdresses and ornamentations like ear spools, nose jewelry, face paint and necklaces.

Manufacturing process

1. Gently cover the face with a fabric
2. In a container, mix the sticky mud with water until it forms a thick, paste-like consistency
   • Ensure there are no large lumps
3. With clean hands, apply the mud mixture to the cloth covering the deceased person’s face
   • Shape it to cover the entire face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Insert pieces of dried straw into the mud mask
   • Arrange them to create features like eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips
   • Use smaller pieces for intricate details
5. Allow the mud mask to dry completely
   • This may take several hours, depending on the weather conditions
6. Once dry, check if any additional straw details are needed and adjust as necessary
7. If desired, tie it in place using strips of cloth or twine

Significance

Excavations

Much of the mud men funerary customs are not widely practiced in their contemporary descendants. Regardless, some elements did manage to survive. Such that it is always a pleasant surprise to find an old, and intact, mud mask at a burial site. However, even an intact mask tends to be weak and crumbly.

Item type

Art

Creation Date

Mit'awi Chapaq

Current Location

Ch'unchul

Related ethnicities

• Mud Men

Owning Organization

Innoit Estate

Rarity

Uncommon

Dimensions

6 - 18 in

Raw materials & Components

Sticky Mud

Woody Fibres

Paint

Glass

Tools

Press Die

Flat Tool