Diriamba, Nicaragua

6.5 inches, painted wood

The people in the Carazo Province of Nicaragua are Nahua, which explains why the style is so Mexican. This over-50-year-old mask was used in the Gueguense performance which is part of the Festival of St. Sebastian. UNESCO has designated this festival as a Historic Masterpiece. Thinly carved out of hardwood, this old, used mask was broken in half and glued back together. The blond hair and blue eyes are because the wearer is portraying a European conquistador.