Description:

Latin America, Mexico, Xitlali, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a large wooden Danza de la Muerte (Dance of the Dead) mask, also known as Danse Macabre, given traditionally empty eyes, a hinged jaw with large, even white teeth, and a nose with flared nostrils. The mask is painted brightly, with an orange-red background and green, black, yellow, and white highlights. These masks represent a theme that has been present in western culture since the late medieval period and which continues as part of the Mexican cult of the dead: that no matter our station in life, death will come for us all. Rather than taking this as a creepy or scary theme, the Danza de la Muerte encourages the viewers to celebrate life to the fullest. Size: 5.5" L x 8.25" W x 15" H (14 cm x 21 cm x 38.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex-East Coast auction company.

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#114035

  • Condition: Nice aged patina, with some wear to paint but still bright colors. Articulated jaw works.

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September 27, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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