La Chorrera, Panama

22 inches, painted papier mache

This is a large, carefully crafted mask like those used during the Corpus Chisti celebration. Like most Caribbean art, it is derived from both the African and Roman Catholic traditions, practices dating back to Colonial times. Especially after the plague, the macabre and the devil were themes for many celebrations in Europe. In the case of the devil dances in Panama, they all serve a religious purpose. They came to be a vivid image of the battle between good and evil that promoted conversion.

Probably made by Marcos Antonio Martinez, this fine mask is hand crafted out of sturdy papier mache and beautifully painted. In style, it is influenced by the Caribbean, rather than cultures to the North or South.

SOLD