Indian mask

San Cristobal, Totonicapan, Guatemala

7 inches, wood

This beautifully carved mask has been repainted many times. In fact, it once had blond hair and light skin. Over its many years of use, it could have served also as a Vaquero or Christian. At some time the moreria had plenty of Vaqueros but needed a few more Indians, so they just changed the color scheme. Color determines the masks character rather than form. In fact, most Dance of the Conquest characters start out as identical wood carvings.

The "ET" mark on the rear is of the morero, Eugenio Tistoj of San Cristobal, Totonicapan. He lived from 1855 to 1930. As you can see, these older masks are more professionally sculpted. Despite the slight surface damage and paint loss, this is the finest mask being offered.

SOLD