A large hand-painted wooden Mexican diablo mask. This was carved as a genuine hollow mask rather than a flat decorative plaque. Tool marks remain visible throughout the backside. Mexican devil masks occur in numerous regional dance traditions. In folk performances, diablo characters can be comic troublemakers as much as supernatural threats. They mock authority, chase people, disrupt processions and generally behave badly.
DETAILS
Origin: Mexico
Date: Mid-to-late 20th century, C. 1940s–70s
Material: Hand-carved wood with polychrome painted decoration
Dimensions: Apx: 16 inches High, 5.5 inches Wide
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related wear throughout. Minor scratches and paint loss are visible, particularly along projecting edges and horn tips. Structurally complete overall, with both horns present. Please review photographs carefully.
