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. The bump on the forehead is probably meant to suggest braided hair.

$295