Patrona mask

Nahuala, Guatemala

7 inches, painted wood

This Patrona mask is supposed to mock the conquerors with white skin, red lips and exaggerated mustaches and eyelashes. The dancers also like to imitate and mock people they know in different villages. The male versions are called Patrons or Patzcars, and the females are Patronas or Patzcarinas. Both sexes are portrayed by male dancers.

This could be for the goiter dance, an ancient ritual that is often used for healing. The ugly bump can be on the chin or forehead. It's meant to characterize deformity and sickness in general.

$295