sculptures of hands

"Kinich Ahau, the lord with a solar face, is the Maya god of sun and music. He is married to Ixchel (the moon) and he is regarded as the god of gods and lord of war. He settled disputes and distributed land amongst the different villages," says Angel Cerón of this ceramic mask replica. "Kinich Ahau is usually portrayed with jaguar ears and T-shaped teeth. His beard symbolizes sunrays and big, almost square-shaped eyes." Cerón is oficially licensed to reproduce this extraordinary replica of the mask found in Palenque (Chiapas) and dated 600-900 AD.

The world explodes and opens into a hypnotic path of blazing color and Huichol design. The spirit of Kawauyomaire the blue deer holds reign over peyote and eagle designs in the alternative reality created by Higinio Hernandez in this beadwork mask. Always present in Huichol ceremonies, Kawauyomaire accompanies humans on their internal journeys facilitated by peyote.

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.

Inspired by Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city in Mexico, artisans of the Barrios Home Workshop create this stunning mask. The mask is formed from three kinds of clay before being fired at high temperatures. It is then painted by hand and encrusted with cabochons of genuine agate and obsidian.

Capture the essence of Mesoamerican legacy with this mesmerizing wall mask paying homage to the revered jaguar god, an emblem central to the heart of significant ancient civilizations. Meticulously sculpted from papier mache by Mexican artisan Morneo, the remarkable mask unveils a figure donning a commanding jaguar headdress. A symphony of intricate hand-painted motifs and vibrant hues, reminiscent of the captivating folk art style of alebrijes, adorns the mask's surface. Safeguarding its allure and enriching its luminosity, layers of protective lacquer enfold this extraordinary creation.

Snowflakes, stars, and flowers interact with deer and scorpions in this beautiful mask by Higinio Hernandez. Facial features have been originally outlined and magnificently complemented with an incredible array of brilliant designs. The magnificent mélange of pattern and color suggest the coming of spring in all its glory and the renewal of life. The process of crafting this piece requires the utmost patience and skill from the artist, as each tiny bead is individually attached to the carefully hewn base using a needle.

With wings spread protectively, Werika covers the forehead of a mysterious personage. Regarded by the Huichol as their divine mother, she also represents Our Lady of Guadalupe. One of her heads talks to God, while the other watches over the world. Taa Ta Ta, the sun and father appears on both cheeks. Scorpions scuttle down the chin and six-sided peyote blossoms are also present on this stunning beadwork mask by Higinio Hernández.

The feathered serpent of Mesoamerican legend has a human face and a bird perches on his head. To the Maya, he was Kukulkan while the Aztecs called him Quetzalcoatl and in Yucatán he was known as Tepeu Kukumaz. Morneo depicts his own interpretation of the pre-Hispanic deity in bright psychedelic colors. The Mexican artisan works in papier-maché, crafting and painting the signature mask by hand.

Eufrosia Pantaleon is inspired by the legendary Olmec heads in the design of this mask. Believed to represent governors, the original gigantic heads are carved from stone. Pantaleon reinterprets these archeological treasures with this ceramic mask. She paints the blue, green, red, orange, pink and beige mask with extraordinary detail in celebration of Mexico's flora and fauna.

A brilliant star lances mystic rays across the forehead of this beaded mask by Higinio Hernandez. It casts white light on the tatei yukahima, or “corn plant,” its golden ears ready to harvest. Teruka the scorpion stands guard over the corn on either side of the mouth, and jicuri, or “peyote” buttons, adorn cheeks and chin. Jicuri is the centerpiece of Huichol ritualism, revered for its curative properties and its ability to enlighten those who partake of it.

Aided by his wife and guided by their imagination and feelings, Hernandez creates these vivid images with brilliant chaquira beads patiently placed one at a time on a papier mache base. Beeswax is used instead of glue. His masks reveal the rich cosmology of the Huichol people and add color and life to any setting.

Because each mask is individually crafted without a pattern, small details may vary, such as the color of a flower or symbol, but without affecting the original design.

Care instructions: Since this exquisite mask is made with the traditional process of attaching the beads with wax, do not expose this piece to direct heat or light, which may cause the wax to dry or soften and thus loosen the beads.