Each of these unique masks weighs between one to two kilograms and is oval-shaped, resembling a human face. They feature eye slits, an open mouth outlined by meticulously crafted teeth, and a prominent nose. Notably, one of these masks closely mimics the structure of a human skull, with rounded eye sockets and a detailed lower jaw. Except for one miniature mask that fits in a palm, the sizes of these masks are comparable to a human face.
Some of these masks also come with holes along their perimeters, likely serving as anchors for fastenings that would hold them in place. Although limestone is relatively easy to carve, the individuals who made these masks had only stone tools at their disposal. They had to source the limestone, sculpt it to the desired thickness, create a cavity for fitting or holding near the face, and meticulously carve out facial features—all without damaging the artifact.
Given the tools available at the time, this was no small feat and the skill of the stone carvers is truly commendable. One mask even displays remnants of red and green stripes, suggesting that after the stone carving, artists took over to add finishing touches. These colorations were likely intended to mimic tattoos. It's thought that these masks served as "portraits" of deceased community members, which is why each mask maintains its unique features, rather than adhering to a standardized design. These remarkable artifacts date back to approximately 7200-7000 BC.
In sum, these ancient masks not only shed light on early human craftsmanship but also offer insights into the cultural and spiritual practices of the time.
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