Ceramic mask, 'Chancay Cat'

Facial paint in geometric designs adorns the stylized visage of this ceramic mask, hand-crafted by artisan Feriberto Aylas. The style is inspired by the Chancay culture of northern Peru, and the smooth surfaces of the mask glow in warm browns and yellows. Its design is striking and original, to bring a touch of pre-Hispanic splendor. Feriberto Aylas masterfully depicts Andean life in order to expressing the very soul of Peru. He carefully sculpts this mask from clay native to the Andes and then carefully paints it with engobes (colored liquid clay). Once the mask is removed from the kiln, it is decorated with natural oxides, and then coated with shellac to protect and conserve the paint tones.