Vintage Guatemalan Conquistador Mask
Vintage Guatemalan Conquistador Mask
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors
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Quiché Highlands, Guatemala. Hand carved wood with gold and red polychrome. Bearded Spanish figure with dramatic streaked visage and inset glass eyes
Specifications for the Conquistador Mask
- Collection: Highland Festival Masks
- Character: Conquistador (Spanish figure)
- Artist: Unknown workshop carver
- Origin: Chichicastenango, Quiché Highlands, Guatemala
- Material: Hand carved wood with polychrome paint and gilt surface
- Design: Bearded male face with strong brows, mustache, and open mouth
- Palette: Gold ground with red facial veining, black hair and beard, red lip details
- Vision: Inset glass eyes framed by drilled eye openings
- Interior: Raw carved wood with tool marks visible
- Hanger: Cord or wire loop at the crown
- Estimated date: Mid-20th century (c. 1940s–1970s)
- Condition: Age wear with minor paint loss; surface patina consistent with vintage workshop use. See photos for exact condition
Catalogue Note
This mask represents a Spanish conquistador figure from the highland drama Baile de la Conquista. The gilded ground with red streaks emphasizes stage visibility, while the strong beard and brows mark the European identity of the character. Inset glass eyes enhance lifelike presence, a feature typical of mid-20th century Chichicastenango workshop production. Conquistador masks embody colonial power and antagonistic roles in the dance plays that narrate the clash between Indigenous Maya and Spanish invaders.
Key Highlights
- Authentic Guatemalan Conquistador mask from the Quiché Highlands
- Hand carved with gold ground and red veining for dramatic effect
- Inset glass eyes and carved beard add lifelike presence
- Attributed to mid-20th century Chichicastenango workshop production
- Historic festival mask connected to the Baile de la Conquista tradition
Display and Care
- Indoor display recommended
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
- Dust with a dry soft brush only
Attribution and Condition Notes
Attributed to the Chichicastenango trade orbit based on carving style, palette, and inset glass eyes. Surface wear and paint aging are consistent with vintage folk art. No structural losses noted at inspection. See photos for exact condition.
FAQ
What does this mask represent? It represents a Spanish conqueror, part of the antagonist roles in highland Maya festival dramas.
Is this an authentic Guatemalan festival mask? Yes. The carving, palette, and construction align with mid-20th century Chichicastenango workshop traditions.
Can it hang on a wall? Yes. A hanger is present. Use a secure support for safe display.
