Ritual Turquoise Mask

The myth

Turquoise mosaic masks are among the finest works of Mesoamerica. Made from thousands of tiny pieces of turquoise, shell, mother-of-pearl and other stones glued onto wood or a skull, they were used in rituals, placed on divine images or offered to the gods. Turquoise, xihuitl, came by trade from distant lands and was tied to fire, time and the god Xiuhtecuhtli, “Turquoise Lord.” A mask of Xiuhtecuhtli and another built on a skull, associated with Tezcatlipoca, are in the British Museum.

Why it has this power

An Uncommon equip giving +700 ATK and DEF to a Spellcaster or Deity monster. Whoever wears it speaks with the voice of the gods. It strengthens priests and sorcerers, like the Reader of the Day-Count or the Sorcerer of the Smoking Mirror, and great deities such as Tláloc or Chalchiuhtlicue.

Did you know

The British Museum’s Xiuhtecuhtli mask has mother-of-pearl eyes and white shell teeth.

Connections

• In Citlali, Priestess of the Stars's deck
• In Tepin, Veteran of the Flower War's deck
• In Yolotl, Mistress of the Mirror's deck
• In Itzel, Guardian of the Fifth Sun's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.45% per pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 1.1% per pack (Uncommon 30% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 35% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.98% of days · 400 gold
• Craft with card dust: 100 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Turquoise in Mesoamerica — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright
2. Aztec Art — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright