This collection of Mexican masks comes from mostly
indigenous villages. Many have been used in various dances.
The masked dances, which often include costumes, are an enactment of religious
and mythological themes. These themes originated in the Pre-Hispanic past when
masks were buried with the dead, which suggests they had a
transformational function and meaning. Today, battles between good
and evil taken from myths or religious stories, as well as scenes from everyday
life are played out in carnivals and celebrations.
Some of the most well known dances are those re-enacting the conquest with
masks representing conquistadores such as Cortez or Alvarado and religious
stories with saints and devils. There are also masks made for specific
dances like "el baile de los viejitos," dance of the old men. And then
there is the "baile de los Tecuanes," or dance of the wild beasts, where dancers
wear masks of wild animals like jaguars or tigres.
Back to Masks Page 1
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Mexican Jaguar
$ 410 |
Bruja or Witch Mask
$ 219 |
Sun & Moon Mask
$ 105
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Jaguar
suit & mask
$ 875 |
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Pig w/whiskers & teeth $ 149 |
Old Leather Jaguar
$ 425
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Chubby Cheeked Angel
$ 186 |
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to Masks Page 1
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