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Caribbean Diablo mask Corpus Christi Day, Venezuela 24 inches, painted papier mache In July, Venezuela celebrates Corpus Cristi, a holiday going back to 6th century Spain, honoring Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. However, the black Yare people have modified the celebration with many African traditions. Dozens of Diablos take to the streets in red outfits with multicolored, horned masks of animals such as cows, bulls, and pigs. The Diablos bang on drums and shake maracas. They dance and leap through town, moving towards the church. Once at the main church’s doors, they wait to be blessed by the bishop after mass. With their heads down they prostrate themselves on the steps as a sign of submission and the triumph of good over evil. Huge masks such as this one are made strictly for the ceremony and are not sold to tourists. I've never seen a big one on the market. Illustrated in the book "Masks from Around the World." SOLD
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