Gary Collison purchased this mask from the grandson of Miguel Ignacio Calel, who had been the proprietor of a Moraria (mask rental business) during the middle years of the 1900s. The rental masks were branded to reflect their ownership by the Moraria. This mask bears a MIC brand on the back. It is in excellent condition for an old mask, well carved, nicely painted and has great wear.

The deer dance is common in most parts of Guatemala. Though it has been Christianized to various degrees, it derives from an ancient Mayan hunting ceremony. The cast of characters includes men, an occasional woman, dogs, deers, a tiger, a lion, and 2 monkeys. References- Mascaras y Morarias de Guatemala by Luis Luján Muñoz, also Guatemala’s Masks and Drama by Jim Pieper.

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