Archeologists have discovered an incredible and rare artifact in Mexico which is reminiscent of a famous Hollywood film.
The green mask was found at the The Pyramid of the Sun, in southern Mexico, is part of a famous archaeological site – Teotihuacan, reports The Sun.
Originally discovered in 2011, some have likened it to the 1994 Jim Carrey film, ‘The Mask’.
Mexico is known for having an abundance of significant archaeological sites which provide insight into its ancient history.
The Pyramid of the Sun was built approximately in 100 CE. It is under continuous research as archaeologists and historians continue to understand more about it.
Other items were discovered around the same time as the mask, including shards of clay pottery, animal bones and three serpentine human figurines. But the mask was the most significant find.
It was unusual to see this type of mask in this region and stood out to researchers for this reason.
The mask features realistic human features, in Mesoamerican cultures, masks were commonly used in rituals, ceremonies, and as offerings to deities.
In the 1994 film, Jim Carrey‘s character, Stanley Ipkiss, finds a mysterious mask that transforms him into a zany, superpowered alter ego when he puts it on.
Social media users on Reddit have joked about the similarities between the mask in the film, and the one discovered in Mexico.
One Reddit user wrote: “Uh.. Does this mean we get another Jim Carrey movie? Really beautiful find though. Thanks for sharing.”
Verónica Ortega, director of the Integral Conservation Project for the Plaza of the Moon, said of the discovery: “These large offering complexes constitute the sacred heart of the city of Teotihuacán, the reason why everyone saw it as the mecca of the civilisation.
“What can be found inside them will help unravel the relationship this ancient metropolis had with other regions of Mesoamerica.”
Teotihuacan earned its nickname as the “City of the Gods” due to the presence of its massive pyramids dedicated to deities.
These include the Pyramid of the Sun, the third-largest pyramid in the world, and the Pyramid of the Moon.