White Juan Negro mask

Chinampa, Veracruz

8.5 inches, painted wood

The Juan Negros of the Huastec people in this area are quite a bit different than those found in the western part of the state. Here they are brighter, more stylized and humorous. The Juan Negro dance tells the story of two men-- the white panol, or spanish land owner, and the poor black peasant, Juan Negro. Both of them love the same girl, and the panol uses his influence and power to win her, but in the end the girl goes back to the good Juan Negro.