Masks were used in rituals to mark important moments of change such as the transition from the dry season to the wet season. Xipe Totec, 'the flayed one', alludes to the practice of wearing the flayed skin of victims sacrificed during springtime planting festivals to ensure the renewal of life. The mask of dead skin was likened to dead vegetation concealing new life beneath it.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Scanned : Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)