Latin America, Mexico, Guerrero, ca. early 20th century CE. An evocative copper repousse mask depicting a bearded man with earrings of copper bells reminiscent of those once made by the Mixtec people of the region. The vibrant vizard features a lively face with a flowing beard, a crocodilian headdress, high cheek bones, bulging eyes with eye holes beneath, and an open mouth with 2 prominent front teeth. The verso presents a metal wire for display, as well as a chin rest and cloth covering for greater comfort when worn. Sometimes called "barbones" or "bearded old men," masks of this type have been said to serve varying functions such as being used in the "rain-petitioning dance," serving as Carnival masks, representing the god Tlaloc, depicting a European man, and being used to chase Spaniards out of their pueblos in the mountains of Guerrero. Size: 15.7" W x 30.6" H (39.9 cm x 77.7 cm)

Similar masks can be found at the University of Delaware (69 Carnival Mask), the Hearst Museum of Anthropology at University of California, Berkeley (3-28625), and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (24/5791).

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-private Estate collection, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, acquired 1960 to 2024

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#185578

Some minor bending and folding to copper sheet and a few areas of wear to pigment and abrasions to surface, but otherwise intact and in very good condition. Form and detail are very clear with good remaining pigments and light patina. Bells still function. Suspension wire on verso for display.