Masks

     Masks were used in Mexican rituals and dances long before the arrival of the Spanish. During this time masks represented the spirits of animals or deceased ancestors. After the conquest, the Spanish friars converted the natives to Catholicism through the use of medieval religious plays. These dramas introduced new characters into the mask makers’ repertory such as the Spaniard, the Moor and the Devil, the latter representing Judas Iscariot.

   Through the years dances have come to include all of these characters as well as characters from popular culture such as Bart Simpson. Today masks are still crafted and used in festivals and dances in the parts of Mexico with large Indian populations—mainly the south, central and northwestern states. Masks are frequently carved out of wood and painted bright colors though may also be formed from paper-mache, gourds or clay.

     The masks in our collection are all hand carved by master artisans in the state of Michoacàn. The carvers are experts in rendering the human face or animal likeness using homemade rather than modern tools. In Mexico these masks are passed from generation to generation. In fact some masks still in service at dances are more than 100 years old. 

     El Corazón de Mexico’s collection of new masks allows you to acquire an heirloom at a reasonable price that you and your family will treasure for years. At the same time you are helping support the practitioners of an ancient art form.  

Half Devil, Half Pink Skull	Leopard Diablo	Half Devil, Half Pink Skull
$15.00	$50.00	$15.00
Spaniard with Blue Eyes	Red Mask with Beard	Arched Eyebrows
$30.00	$40.00	$30.00
Pato (Duck)	Bart Simpson	Mask with War Paint
$60.00	$50.00	$20.00
Half Woman, Half Gold Skull	Half Man, Half Devil	Red Snake Dragon
$45.00	$65.00	$50.00

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