Central American Masks

Central and South America Central and Southern America have a rich masking history. One of the earliest examples dates from 10000 to 12000 BC. It is a fossilised vertebra of an extinct lama representing the head of a coyote. More recent records begun during the conquest of the area, contemporary excavations combined with murals by the indigenous people reveal an array of styles and uses. Most of the surviving masks are apparently burial masks. Often they are carved from some form of rock or made form clay. Skull masks, some jade encrusted, have also been excavated. These are believed to hold the spirits of gods or ancestors and when captured from an enemy take away power. In contrast to the above the murals and painted vase of the Mayan era show colourful head-dresses and mask used for a variety of occasions. Masks were not only used for entertainment and religious purposes but also by warriors. The influx of the conquistadors caused the erosion of the established order and the imposition of the catholic church. The results of this, across the whole of Central and South America, was a synthesis of Pagan and Christian celebrations. Despite the removal of the ruling elite the masking traditions continued especially where associated with agriculture and fertility. (Much the same as in Europe) The missionaries alarmed at the continuing rituals encouraged the local people to adapt their festivals to Christian ones which fell close to the same time of year. For example in the Andes Intirayami feel close to Carnival. The pre- Hispanic ceremonies for the dead in Central America coincided with All Souls and All Saints. Just as in the Andes where ancient temples were built upon with the new churches the traditions of masquerade were embodied with in the new festivals. Interestingly this had already happened as Christianity spread throughout Europe. Within the second layer of change there was already a similar layer of pre-Christian pagan practice. The festivals that developed during these times have, in many cases, endured through to the present day. Guatemala and Mexico The collectors of old masks from this area find that even masks from the last 30 years that have been used in festivities fetch good prices. Masks from further, back depending upon quality, can command even higher prices. If you have a contact in the area it does help. My sister lives in the area and sometimes helps by giving me great masks. I anticipate paying but she is a brilliant sister. Two good galleries to contact are>>>>>>>>> and>>>>>>. Guatemala There are lots of good contemporary makers. I have bought several masks from the mask maker on the market in Chitchecastenango. I have a story about mask makers in this area especially for those visiting on a tight budget. When ever visiting an area of the world that is different to your own it is useful to get as much local knowledge as possible. However sometimes local knowledge is not enough for something new comes along...... I use this story in my mask making classes to allow people to experience cultural differences. After a days outing with my sister, Sylvia, her daughter Antonia, my wife Dot and our two sons, Sam and Adam, visiting various interesting places we stopped in Panahachel. It was early evening and we were ready to relax before our evening meal, soft drinks and beer were on offer. We were simply enjoying the evening air, the time of day and conversation. It had been a good day. Suddenly a local man and his son approached use. He was dominant. "Senor do you want to buy this masks." Having spent my allowance for the day, and having no interest whatsoever in the mask I said "No". The mask was a really low grade tourist mask painted blue and Yellow. It had a snake curling around its face and two sheep or goats horns nailed to its head. Then the negotiating started. "No thank you!" I responded, politely but firmly. After a time you do get tired of people selling things to us gringos. He persisted. "Senor, you can have this mask for 30 quetzales." "No! I responded I have spent my money for today." The next response totally threw me. He said "Senor you can have this mask for 25!" Now this was really rare. He was dropping the price and I was not even bargaining. Something was definitely wrong. "No I don't want a mask." was my reply. His response was, "Senor, you can have this mask for 20." Now I really was flabbergasted. "No thank you I don't want a mask. On this process went until we reached 10 Quetzales. At that point I decided that