Hand-Carved Devil Mask (Diablo Mask)
Culture/Region: Guatemala, likely Highland Maya region
Date: Early to Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood with polychrome paint
Dimensions: 9.5” H x 6.25” W x 2.8” D (24.1 x 15.9 x 7.1 cm)
Description:
A hand carved wooden mask representing a devil figure, painted in a red base with contrasting black accents. The reverse shows wear from handling and attachment, confirming its use in traditional dance.
Artistic Context & History:
This mask originates from the tradition of *baile* (dance dramas) in Guatemala, particularly within Highland Maya communities. Devil masks are central figures in many folk performances that reenact stories from Spanish colonial times, often portraying the devil as a tempter or antagonist in moral narratives that blend Catholic teachings with indigenous worldview. These dances, performed during patron saint festivals and religious holidays, serve as both community entertainment and a means of preserving cultural and moral lessons.
Symbolism & Interpretation:
The devil figure in Guatemalan folk tradition often represents more than just evil; it can symbolize the forces of chaos, the unknown, or the complexities of human temptation. The vibrant red color is both dramatic and symbolic, intended to be visible from a distance during public performances. The mask's fearsome appearance is designed to captivate and instruct audiences, embodying a character that is ultimately defeated by virtuous forces in the dance's narrative.
Condition Report:
The mask is in good, structurally sound condition with patina acquired from age and use. The paint surface shows expected wear including minor scuffing, paint loss, and abrasions consistent with active use. These characteristics are not considered damage but are valued as evidence of the mask's authentic history and cultural function.
Hand-Carved Devil Mask (Diablo Mask)
Culture/Region: Guatemala, likely Highland Maya region
Date: Early to Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood with polychrome paint
Dimensions: 9.5” H x 6.25” W x 2.8” D (24.1 x 15.9 x 7.1 cm)
Description:
A hand carved wooden mask representing a devil figure, painted in a red base with contrasting black accents. The reverse shows wear from handling and attachment, confirming its use in traditional dance.
Artistic Context & History:
This mask originates from the tradition of *baile* (dance dramas) in Guatemala, particularly within Highland Maya communities. Devil masks are central figures in many folk performances that reenact stories from Spanish colonial times, often portraying the devil as a tempter or antagonist in moral narratives that blend Catholic teachings with indigenous worldview. These dances, performed during patron saint festivals and religious holidays, serve as both community entertainment and a means of preserving cultural and moral lessons.
Symbolism & Interpretation:
The devil figure in Guatemalan folk tradition often represents more than just evil; it can symbolize the forces of chaos, the unknown, or the complexities of human temptation. The vibrant red color is both dramatic and symbolic, intended to be visible from a distance during public performances. The mask's fearsome appearance is designed to captivate and instruct audiences, embodying a character that is ultimately defeated by virtuous forces in the dance's narrative.
Condition Report:
The mask is in good, structurally sound condition with patina acquired from age and use. The paint surface shows expected wear including minor scuffing, paint loss, and abrasions consistent with active use. These characteristics are not considered damage but are valued as evidence of the mask's authentic history and cultural function.
