art mask

A skull opens to reveal a living face in this intriguing mask from Mexico. "Part represents life, part represents death. This exemplifies the ancient Mesoamerican concept of duality," artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association explain. Day and night, hot and cold, dark and light — this thought was present in almost all philosophical and religious ideas, extending as far south as the Andes.

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an original mask that blends elements of both Maya and Aztec art and culture. The face depicts the Sun Jaguar of the underworld seen in an incense burner from the Classic Maya site of Palenque. The mouth makes reference to Chac, the Maya rain god. Covered with skulls, the headdress is an interpretation of the Aztec tzompantli, a rack where the heads of sacrificial victims were displayed as an offering to the gods.

This joyful mask in light orange is the creation of West Africa's Christopher Nyasafo. Crafted from native sese wood, the mask is adorned with raffia and recycled glass beads in complementing orange. The mask is called Galoa, named after a tribe of people living in western Gabon. Known to disperse evil forces, this is an okukwe mask, used by the Galoa people in performances during births, initiation rituals, weddings, and funerals.

Framed by the open mouth of a fierce jaguar, the face of a Mayan warrior is depicted in this mask from Guatemala. Jose Canil Ramos designs this stunning mask, which is carved by hand from pinewood. One half of the warrior's face is a skull, a nod to the more grisly consequences of war.