Moor mask

Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

9 inches, painted wood

One of the favorite stories the Spanish brought to Guatemala was about the constant struggle of Christianity against Islam, culminating in Spains final victory over the Moors in 1492. The Christian side is represented with blond, pale faced characters, while the Moors are portrayed with black hair and darker skin. This mask is big and the mustache is even bigger. Note that green represents the 5-oclock shadow on the shaved part of the face. Old and used, with extensive insect damage that has been repaired. Much of the rear edge has been rebuilt with wood filler. Eyes are separately-carved wood or nuts.