Vintage Guatemalan Jaguar Mask
Vintage Guatemalan Jaguar Mask
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors
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Specifications for the Chichicastenango Jaguar Mask
- Artist: Unknown
- Origin: Chichicastenango, Quiché Highlands, Guatemala
- Material: Hand carved wood with polychrome paint
- Form: Human face surmounted by a crouching jaguar, carved from a single block
Authentic Guatemalan Jaguar Mask Description
This vintage Guatemalan mask presents a stern human face beneath a vividly painted jaguar. The jaguar is rendered in the classic highland palette of orange, red, and black with piercing yellow eyes. In Maya tradition, the jaguar (balam) symbolizes night, strength, and the spirit of the underworld. Its presence atop the human figure embodies transformation, power, and protection.
The interior shows adze and gouge marks consistent with Chichicastenango workshop carving. While masks of this type were crafted for festival dramas such as the Baile de los Animales, this example reads as a mid-20th century workshop piece made within the thriving mask trade of Chichicastenango, where morerías rented and sold masks for village celebrations.
Combining human and animal imagery, this mask captures the fusion of Maya cosmology and highland dance traditions. Its bold presence, hand-carved detail, and rich polychrome surface make it a striking representation of Guatemalan folk art.
Key Highlights
- Guatemalan highland mask with jaguar headdress motif
- Human face carved with expressive brows, nose, and mouth
- Jaguar painted in orange, red, and black with detailed eyes
- Traditional hand carved construction with visible interior tool marks
- Classic representation of Chichicastenango folk art and festival culture
Display and Care
- Indoor display recommended
- Dust gently with a dry, soft brush
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
- Can be wall-mounted using the drilled hanger holes or displayed on a stand
Attribution and Condition
Attributed to the Chichicastenango mask trade based on form, palette, and carving style. Surface shows workshop handling and vintage patina. The back displays visible gouge work from traditional tools. Overall condition aligns with mid-to-late 20th century highland mask production. See photos for exact condition.
FAQ
Is this an authentic Guatemalan mask? Yes. The carving style, subject, and finish align with masks produced and traded in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
What does the jaguar symbolize? In Maya tradition, the jaguar represents night, strength, power, and the underworld, making it one of the most potent figures in highland dance and ritual imagery.
Was this mask used in performance? Masks like this were produced in Chichicastenango workshops for local dances. While this example shows vintage workshop patina, its condition suggests it was lightly used or intended for trade.
Can I hang it on a wall? Yes. The mask includes drilled holes for a cord and is suitable for indoor wall display.
