Mexican & Guatemalan Masks
The tradition of masks and masked impersonators is ancient in Mesoamerica. It dates back at least 2,500 years to Olmec times where we find stone Were-Jaguar masks and depictions of masked Were-Jaguars.
The masks I have for sale date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. All the masks were made by Native or Mestizo artists for their own use and have been "danced".
I have a large selection of rare Northern Mexican Indian masks from the Yaqui, Mayo and Tarahumara tribes. I find these masks especially powerful and reflective of their pre-Hispanic native roots. Mexican and Guatemalan masks range in price from $350 to $6,500 and are superb compliments to traditional Southwest architecture and decor.
The mask represents either a Viejo (Old Man) or Juan the Hunter or Rastrero (Tracker), Western Mexico, Early 20th C.
Juan the Tracker or Rastrero, A wild man of the forest.
First Half of the 20th Century, Oaxaca, ixtle fiber hair.
El Tigre Mask, 1960s, Oaxaca
Jaguars have an ancient history in Mexica art and religion. In Oaxaca, besides the fearsome attributes of the Jaguar, they are also associated bringing life-giving rain.
