Eyes Wide Open-MaskFemale Wedding Mask. This mask is used by women during the wedding celebration in the Jowke Tribe of Democratic Republic of Congo. Hand carved.
Mayo Pascula Mask-MexicoThe Mayo Indians of Mexico celebrate more than 70 religious’ festivities. The pascola stands out as a dancer, a host, a speaker, and as community ritual clown. His presence is visible through the dances and heard in the music. Mayo pascolas complement their attire with a wooden mask. The mask represents the yo aniya or the wild mountain spirit who is believed to be the dancer’s mentor during the pascola performance. When the pascola dances as a human being, the mask is moved to the back of the head or over one ear, leaving the dancer’s face uncovered. When the dancer wishes to represent an animal, the mask covers the face and the dancer adopts the personality of the being he is presenting. “La vela” is a lock of hair to which a paper flower (sewa) is attached. The flower represents the good and protective forces and is associated with the Virgen María and the regenerative forces from the huya aniya (supernatural/magical world). “La vela” thus symbolizes the union between the pascola and those benevolent forces.
Cerated by Roberto Vega Mexico