The Turquoise Mosaics: mask
- Gallery: Room 27
- Culture: Aztec; Mixtec
- Made in: Mexico
- Date: 1400-1521
- Object type: mask, mosaic
- Materials: cedrela wood; turquoise; conch shell; gold (?); beeswax; pine resin
- Museum number: Am1987,Q.3
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you is "The Turquoise Mosaics," an Aztec serpent mask that captures the god Tlaloc, deity of rain. Two serpents twist together, each in contrasting turquoise mosaics of green and blue. Their intertwined forms create Tlaloc's iconic goggle eyes and elongated nose. The mask is carved from cedrela wood and inlaid with turquoise, conch shell teeth, and pine resin.
Look closely—each detail reflects deep cultural meaning. The serpents' intertwining could symbolize the union that brings life-giving rain. The mask's once-gilded details and red resin highlight a vibrant ceremonial presence.
This piece connects to Aztec ritual, linking Tlaloc with powerful cosmic symbols. Its feathers and open eye sockets suggest it once formed part of a priest’s costume, honoring the gods through ancient Mesoamerican traditions.
See it in person
The Turquoise Mosaics: mask is on display in Room 27 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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