Central America, North Central Guatemala, Alta Verapaz, ca. 1925. A polychrome, carved wooden dance mask depicting Chango, which usually translates to monkey or gorilla, with vision slits above the eyes, painted with red and white details against a black background. In Guatemala and Mexico, the indigenous cultures have traditionally used masks in dances that feature a narrative, generally involving parrying evil spirits or myths centered on fertility or yielding a healthy harvest. The masqueraders perform traditional dances, most of which orginated centuries ago to the point of contact with the Spanish or even prior. A very expressive example, wired for suspension. Size: 7-1/2"L x 5"W.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#109842

Aged surface with expected surface wear and minor paint loss. Crack on lower left.