A turquoise-encrusted wooden mask from the Aztec civilization Where it is from: Somewhere in Mesoamerica When it was made: ...

A turquoise-encrusted mask of Xiuhtecuhtli, Aztec fire god, symbolises renewal and is showcased at the British Museum.

This ritual ensured the Aztec civilization was renewed for another half century. The darker turquoise mosaic pieces on the cheeks and nose of the mask appear to form a butterfly, another symbol of ...