Anthropomorphic Solar Mask (Mask with Sunburst Motif)
Culture/Region: Mexico, likely Guerrero or Puebla region
Period: Early to Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood with polychrome pigment
Dimensions: 13.5” H x 10.5” W (34.3 x 26.7 cm)
Description:
This mask features a central anthropomorphic visage surrounded by a carved sunburst motif. The reverse shows wear from handling and evidence of attachment points. Stand is NOT included.
Artistic Context & History:
Masks incorporating solar imagery have deep roots in Mesoamerican cosmology, where the sun held central importance in both religious and agricultural cycles. This mask represents a tradition blending indigenous symbolism with colonial-era artistic forms. The sunburst motif may relate to representations of divinity, agricultural fertility, or specific festival characters. Such masks were typically used in danzas (traditional dances) during religious festivals, patron saint days, and Carnival celebrations, serving as transformative objects that connected the wearer with spiritual forces and communal identity.
Condition Report:
The mask shows significant patina from use, including surface wear, paint loss, and minor abrasions consistent with age and performance context. The wood remains structurally sound. The pigment retains good color saturation in protected areas.
Anthropomorphic Solar Mask (Mask with Sunburst Motif)
Culture/Region: Mexico, likely Guerrero or Puebla region
Period: Early to Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood with polychrome pigment
Dimensions: 13.5” H x 10.5” W (34.3 x 26.7 cm)
Description:
This mask features a central anthropomorphic visage surrounded by a carved sunburst motif. The reverse shows wear from handling and evidence of attachment points. Stand is NOT included.
Artistic Context & History:
Masks incorporating solar imagery have deep roots in Mesoamerican cosmology, where the sun held central importance in both religious and agricultural cycles. This mask represents a tradition blending indigenous symbolism with colonial-era artistic forms. The sunburst motif may relate to representations of divinity, agricultural fertility, or specific festival characters. Such masks were typically used in danzas (traditional dances) during religious festivals, patron saint days, and Carnival celebrations, serving as transformative objects that connected the wearer with spiritual forces and communal identity.
Condition Report:
The mask shows significant patina from use, including surface wear, paint loss, and minor abrasions consistent with age and performance context. The wood remains structurally sound. The pigment retains good color saturation in protected areas.
