Convite mask

Guatemala

7 inches, painted ceramic

Convites are masked female characters that go ahead of the procession asking the spectators for contributions. They come in many styles. This one is fired clay and had some kind of fabric glued to the inner surface to make it more comfortable. Ceramic masks are very unusual in Guatemala, having been made in just one or two places. Many are lost due to breakage. This mask could also be an Indian from the Dance of the Conquest. An expert I know believes it is from Mexico, rather than Guatemala.

$240