A hand-carved Mexican Polychrome Folk Art Mask The Barbón, or “bearded man,” mask, broadly represent male bearded figures, sometimes interpreted as Spaniards, conquistadors, authority figures or comic elders. Related characters appear in dances such as Moros y Cristianos and other regional dramas, where European-looking figures could be respected, feared and satirized at the same time. Mexican dance masks often exaggerate age, status and personality so the character can be recognized immediately from a distance.
Details
Origin: Mexico; Guerrero
Date: Likely mid 20th century
Material: Carved wood
Decoration: Hand painted polychrome
Dimensions: Approximately 19 in. high × 8 in. wide
Condition: Considerable surface wear consistent with age and use. Please review all photographs closely.
