The word barbone means bearded one. In Mexican masked dances, this name usually refers to a Spaniard who is portrayed in conflict with either Indians (the Conquest dance) or “Infidels” ( Moros y Christianos). When one sees a bearded man with blue eyes, this could be a mask of Cortez himself.

Unfortunately, little is written in English about the town of Zacapu to clarify this further. We only know that there is dancing every year on July 26, to honor the patron saint of the town- Santa Ana. On the other hand, it is known that in the nearby town of Naranja, masks of exactly this form, with beard and mustache are called Monarcos. Monarcos wear flower headdresses

This mask is very well carved. There are holes drilled across the forehead to indicate that there was once a helmet or headdress attached to this mask. A very interesting feature is the presence of seven holes bored under the chin, in the pattern of a cross.

A moderate number of small holes are visible on the back of the mask, indicating that there had been an infestation of boring insects in the past. This infestation appears to have died out, there is no indication of persistent insect activity. There is no visible area of structural damage. The back of the mask shows typical signs of wear.