Large Masks

Materials: Wood, natural paints, enamel

Do you want a metal stand for your mask? [Haz clic aquí]

Guatemalan masks have a rich and profound history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times and have played a significant role in the country’s culture and traditions ever since. Beyond being mere facial coverings, these masks hold deep symbolic and transformative meaning for those who wear them.

For centuries, masks have been used in ceremonies and performances, where the wearer assumes the role of the figure the mask represents. This transformation process allows the dancer to embody the skills, characteristics, and powers of the entity the mask personifies, becoming a bridge between the earthly and spiritual worlds.

Guatemalan wooden masks are especially prominent in the country’s traditional and folkloric dances. Each mask is meticulously hand-carved by skilled Guatemalan artisans, who use techniques passed down through generations to create these unique works of art.

These masks are not only objects of aesthetic beauty but also carriers of history, identity, and cultural beliefs. They serve as a living expression of the connection between past and present, playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Guatemala’s ancestral traditions.

These masks are crafted in the region of Chichicastenango, in the southern part of the Quiché Department, Guatemala.