La máscara de "“rayos X"”. Historia de un artilugio iconográfico en el arte maya

Abstract

This article presents a chronological and systematic study of a design known in the context of Maya imagery as the “X ray” mask. Most instances of this mask can be found on Maya vases and monuments from the VIII Century AD, although there is an intriguing precedent to them in the Olmec paintings found in the Oxtotitlan cave, as well as a couple of examples in the murals of Cacaxtla. In scenes painted on vases, this mask is associated with transformation rituals or dances, but its use on official monuments underlines specific action conditions or psychological tension related to the revitalization of ancient Teotihuacan symbols in fire and war contexts.