Pre-hispanic hunter gatherers, the Modotpetoc are indigenous artisans.  Consuming peyote inspires them to create memorial masks of their ancestors.  These are the Lost Heads exhumed from burial sites contained within ancient sand dunes. The sand dunes are the furthest inland of any on the west coast of North America. They are entombed beneath the civic center of the City of San Francisco.

Archaeologists found the masks during excavation of an ancient bordello, courthouse, and opium den. These face coverings are ornamental. They are considered to be icons representing deities both living and dead. Worn during ceremonial trances, the masks honour those who survived cataclysmic earthquakes. They are worshiped by the tribe.

Modern Modotpetoc hang masks on the exteriors of their homes. This custom perpetuates the myth. As sentries greeting seismic events, the masks represent bravery rather than fear. They welcome the rumbles of the Modotpetoc’s beloved deceased.