This mask is of the classic style seen in the Pastorela (shepherd’s play) dances in the state of Guanajuato, with horns, an animal snout, and carved on the masks are usually a snake or snakes or a central lizard, in this example both have been included. The effect is quite powerful and pastorela devil masks of this quality have become uncommon.

As is sometimes the case, the back of this mask has been painted, perhaps to better preserve it. Careful study shows that the back was painted white, heavily danced so that the paint became quite worn, and then it was repainted white. The brown areas on the back, which may initially seem like dirty patches, are actually spots where the paint has become worn off, revealing the color of the sweat-stained wood.

I held this mask against my face and found it a comfortable fit. I could see well through the carved vision slits, which are inconspicuously placed, under the painted eyes. On the back, the area around the openings is carefully carved, another touch that makes the mask seem authentic. So I am convinced that this mask is genuine and has had heavy use. This impression is reinforced by the scuffed surfaces on the nose and lips.

The horns were painted in a striped pattern, but the original colors have nearly worn off. These appear to be the original horns because the paint at the bases of the horns covers their edges. See Barbara Mauldin’s book, Tigers, Devils and the Dance of Life: Masks of Mexico, p. 91, for a very similar mask.

$475