Hidalgo

8.5 inches, wood

It is a little large for a xantolo, not unheard of, but unusual. Probably Hidalgo. Not big enough for a similarly carved mask from San Luis Potosí. Very thin-walled, it has an average thickness of about .25 in. It is carved out of some kind of hardwood. There are remnants of leather patches nailed to the inside close to all three string holes. Extra carving has been done around the hole making the wood thinner at those locations. The side holes are large diameter and have been filled with wood putty.