Xacalcoje Mask

Totonicapán, Guatemala

8.5 inches, wood

Easter masks from this area are called Xacalcojes and are worn by participants who at first express sadness because of Christs death, but then later dance around a fruit and flower adorned arch rejoicing about His Resurrection and sharing the fruit with the audience. These masks rely on patterns carved into the wood for expression and artistic effect, not on color. The horse or goat hair tuft is also typical. New.