Shrimp Man: large mask featuring human face with shrimp body and secondary face. Part of a collection of vintage Mexican folk art dance masks from the Guerrero region. Hand-painted and hand-carved wood. Projects from wall; string mounting included. Acquired in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 1995 from reputable Mexican dealer who worked directly with local village artisans. These masks were used as part of traditional dance ceremonies used to pray for fertility, farming, and protection of the community, a tradition extending back thousands of years and a well-established part of ritual life in Mexico when the Spanish arrived. Performances typically took place on saints’ feast days, Carnival, and civic holidays, with dances, parades, and mock battles. Themes include Christians and Moors, Cortes and Spanish soldiers vs. Aztecs and other indigenous groups, priests, angels, devils, wild animals, mermaids, fishing, and agriculture. Notable dances include the Tres Potencias (Three Powers), Siete Vicios (Seven Vices), and Los Ocho Locos (The Eight Fools), which grew out of morality plays introduced by Spanish missionaries, where a war between good and evil is acted out with masked characters. Colors: yellow, green, blue, pink, black. Condition: excellent; wear consistent with age and use. Best offers considered – please see additional listings of folk art collection for bulk discount. The item “Vintage Mexican Folk Art Mask Handcrafted Wood Shrimp Man Sculpture” is in sale since Sunday, July 8, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Latin American\Mexico\Masks”. The seller is “raufuiste” and is located in San Francisco, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: Mexico
• Provenance: Ownership History Available