The Dance of the Pescadors, or fishermen, in Southern Guerrero features dancers wearing black masks with a cigarette in the mouth, usually to one side. In this case there is a small hole in the usual place, and then a more prominent hole in the center of the mouth. Apparently that was the site of the most recent cigarette, which was missing. To restore the form of this old mask, I have supplied an unpainted dowel.

Damaged by wood-boring insects at one time, the front and back surfaces have a glossy appearance, and if one puts the mask to one’s face, there is a very faint odor of some petroleum product. Apparently the mask was immersed in kerosene long ago to kill the bugs. This is a commonly used remedy in Mexico. It is highly effective, but it does leaves this glossy appearance. There are also several small nails on the face, as if there might have been attached hair or fur, also long gone. It has old repairs on the back as well a small piece of wood and a nailed leather strap.

$225