Rare vintage mask, wood carved, Gesso Polychrome glass eyes
Vintage mask wood carved glass eyes. "Danza de los Parachicos" mask. The colourful costume of the Parachicos consists, most importantly, of a carved mask, supposedly, as a shield to hide the wearer's face, requesting the Sun to protect him from evil and darkness [El Universal], although it is also believed that it is a reflection of the physical characteristics of the Spanish conquistador [Tierra de lo Grande]. Traditionally made out of red cedar, the mask is, in fact, decorated with lacquer to imitate Spanish features - such as light skin, rosy cheeks, facial hair and blue or green glass eyes. The Parachico is depicted with a mutton-chop beard and closed mouth.
Hand carved wood, polychrome gessoed with oil paint and beautiful blue glass eyes. Rare to still find the wood carved masks. Expect some imperfections that are typical to the hand made nature of this art piece.