This work of art, an ancient sculptor’s mold, grants us a unique insight into the creative process of Veracruz artists. Such a mold would have been used in the fabrication of small terracotta sculptures. Pressed into the wet clay, the intricately carved pattern of the mold would be replicated. The highly detailed pattern of the interior belies the soft curves of the abstract exterior. In a charming detail, a smiling mouth has been inscribed onto the exterior where the molded counterpart is visible on the exterior. Thus, the artist has recognized the beauty of the abstract exterior and plays with the identification of the visible forms. This particular mold replicates a human face, perhaps that of a king or shaman. The large nose is the most prominent feature, in addition to the slightly open mouth and eyes with their clearly defined pupils. Who is this person? We can only guess. From the carefully groomed hairline, we can at least extrapolate that he was someone of high rank within the Verzcruz social hierarchy. This face would have presumably been attached to a larger body while still wet. It is possible that a generic body was used for several different faces; it is also possible that a specific body was intended to be joined with this face only. This little mold, as functional as it is, was once used to create images of gods. That sacred idols worthy of worship could be created from this mold implies that the mold itself has some inherent power. Clearly, in the hands of a master sculptor, this mold has the power to embody the gods. Today, this mold is a relic of ancient artistry, transplanted from an ancient Veracruz workshop into our hands, linking us directly with the creative process of long forgotten sculptors.