Temascaltepec, State of Veracruz

8 inches excluding hair, carved wood and animal hair

The Dance of the Conquest demonstrates the conflict between the Spaniards and the Indians, at the time of Cortez. Rather than this drama being portrayed by opposing groups of dancers, each mask conveys both sides of the conflict. There is a dance photograph in Barbara Mauldin’s book- Tigers, Devils, and the Dance of Life: Masks of Mexico, p. 33, which shows the remarkable hats worn by the dancers, as well as their costumes. One also sees from that photo how the masks have evolved, through popular use, into wilder forms. The mask being sold here is of the traditional form, and shows evidence of good wear. This is one of the most bizarre mask forms in the Mexican folk art tradition.

$450