In Mexico, it is common during Semana Santa (Holy Week, the period from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday) for there to be Easter pagents, depicting the capture and crucifixion of Christ. Those who pursue and torment Jesus are called by various names, depending on the town or region. In the state of San Luis Potosí these negative legions are called Judios (Juduses) or Fariseos (Pharisees). They demonstrate ignorant, unruly and evil behavior, led by their mentor, Judus. The masks are varied and inventive, and include skulls, monsters, Kings and Queens, soldiers, Bishops, animals, fallen women or caricatures of ordinary people. See La Muerte en las Danzas Mexicanas: Coleccion de Máscaras de Estela Ogazón, pages 34, 50, 52-3, 103 etc. Also see Barbara Mauldin’s book, Tigers, Devils and the Dance of Life: Masks of Mexico, p. 38.

This is a classic skull mask from San Luis Potosí. The mask is carved from hard and very heavy wood. There is a stable split under the chin. It appears to have been danced, although such a heavy mask would be burdensome; I tried wearing it, it was ok. These are uncommon now.

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