Description:

Latin America, Central America, Guatemala, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating hand-carved wood mask depicting the face of a devil, capped with a lengthy pair of curling ram horns. Painted in hues of crimson, emerald, white, and black, the fierce visage displays bulging, annular eyes, a sizeable, sharp nose, and a large mouth held open to expose an elongated tongue and 2 rows of tab-shaped teeth. A double-headed snake wraps around the periphery of the demonic vizard, with each head laying just above the eyes to form thick eyebrows. A pair of annular drill holes are featured on the verso of the mask allowing it to be strapped to the head of its wearer or suspended for display. Size: 17" W x 15.75" H (43.2 cm x 40 cm)

Zoomorphic masks like this example have long been used in La Diablada or Danza de los Diablos (Dance of the Devils) in Guatemala as animals have been regarded as sacred in Uru mythology, the main source of symbolism for the Diablada.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164794

  • Condition: Perforation in inner corner of proper left eye. Area of loss to verso. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely patina.

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June 24, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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