Pascola mask

Yaqui people, Potam, Sonora

7 inches long, painted wood, horse hair

This is a classic Pascola masks of Northern Mexico. The artist, Crisencio Molina Maldonado, is both a carver and painter with a creative touch. A cross is always painted on the forehead, said to give the Pascola protection from the Devil. The eyebrows and beards on the mask are created by carefully inserting horse hair into tiny holes. The Yaqui cut the eyebrow hair short, while the Mayo prefer to leave it long and flowing. Absolutely traditional in form and design, but never danced.

$185