Artist: Aj Canil Family Origin: Chichicastenango, Guatemala Material: Hand-carved wood, natural & acrylic pigments
Catalogue Note: This Guatemalan hand-carved jaguar mask, created by the renowned Aj Canil family of Chichicastenango, is a vibrant mid-century example of Mayan folk art and indigenous Guatemalan ceremonial tradition. The mask’s electric blue surface is alive with starbursts, sunlit eyes, and intricate highland motifs, anchored by a dramatic red protruding tongue, a defining element of traditional Guatemalan ceremonial dance masks.
In the rich symbolism of Mesoamerican heritage, the jaguar is both a guardian and a transformative figure, revered for its strength, protection, and ability to move between realms. In highland festivals and dance-dramas, such masks are worn to embody these qualities, uniting performer and archetype. The Aj Canil family’s work blends precise carving, layered pigments, and formal symmetry, producing a piece that speaks to both cultural authenticity and aesthetic refinement.
Highlights:
Authentic Guatemalan jaguar ceremonial dance mask with bold, symbolic coloration
Hand-carved and painted by the Aj Canil family, Chichicastenango
Exemplifies Mayan and highland Guatemalan folk art traditions
Exceptional for gallery presentation, ethnographic art collections, or as a statement in luxury interior design
