The exact function of these masks is not known. The holes in the upper side edges suggest that they were used as pectoral ornaments. Teotihuacan was the centre of one of the largest states of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. It was an important place for the Aztecs, as in their mythology the sun and moon were created in this impressive city. Masks of this kind were produced in large numbers in Teotihuacan. The Aztecs carried out excavations in Teotihuacan and placed the pieces found there in sacrificial boxes to offer them to their own gods. Text: Dr Martin Berger, Leiden.