Peruvian Mask Image (IMAGE)

Field Museum

Peruvian Mask Image

Caption

This image of an ancient Peruvian mask or "false head" shows the surprising presence of shells inside the stuffing of the mask. This information may help to answer the tantalizing question of why this "false head" was packed with shells. The shells appear to be a deliberate addition to the filling of the mask, possibly a food offering, but their meaning is unclear since no other specimens with added shells are known.

Credit

Photo courtesy of The Field Museum

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