Guatemala Maya Dual-Spirit Mask | Serpent Guardian
Guatemala Maya Dual-Spirit Mask | Serpent Guardian
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors
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Guatemalan Highlands. Hand carved wood with bold polychrome paint. Red human face surmounted by serpent spirit. Part of the Mayan Spirit Warrior Masks Collection
Specifications
- Collection: Mayan Spirit Warrior Masks
- Artist: Unknown Maya Artisan
- Origin: Highlands, Guatemala
- Material: Carved and painted wood
- Design: Red human face crowned with serpent guardian
- Symbolism: Human visage represents ancestral continuity, serpent embodies transformation, renewal, and cosmic linkage
- Interior: Raw carved wood with visible tool marks
- Estimated Date: Late 20th to early 21st century
- Condition: Bright intact paint with minor handling wear; see photos for exact condition
Catalogue Note
Carved by hand in the Guatemalan Highlands, this striking dual-spirit mask channels centuries of Maya tradition through contemporary folk artistry. The stern red human visage represents the enduring image of the Maya tribesman—an embodiment of ancestral continuity, resilience, and spiritual presence. Rising above the brow is a painted serpent, a powerful motif in Maya cosmology symbolizing transformation, renewal, and the link between earthly and supernatural realms.
This mask belongs to the Mayan Spirit Warrior Masks Collection, a curated group of highland carvings that embody the pride of Guatemalan men in their Mayan ancestry and their belief in animal and spirit power as guides. The stacked composition speaks to the Maya concept of duality: human and animal, body and spirit, past and present. While created for decorative display, its imagery reflects the living ritual arts of modern Maya Guatemala, where masks continue to animate festivals, dances, and sacred ceremonies.
Key Highlights
- Part of the Mayan Spirit Warrior Masks Collection
- Singular hand-carved piece reflecting Maya Highlands mask traditions
- Authentic representation of duality: Maya tribesman and serpent guardian
- Inspired by motifs still used in Maya ritual and festival arts today
- A collector’s example of living Maya heritage in Guatemalan folk art
Display and Care
- Indoor display recommended
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
- Dust with a soft dry brush. Do not use water or solvents
Attribution and Condition Notes
Attributed to the Highlands of Guatemala, following workshop practices that blend traditional Maya motifs with modern folk-art carving. The serpent figure connects to the mythologies of Kukulkan, the feathered serpent deity, reflecting ongoing revitalization of Maya symbolism. Surface shows light wear consistent with handling. See photos for details.
FAQ
What does the serpent represent? Transformation, renewal, and the link between earth and the supernatural in Maya cosmology.
Is this a ceremonial mask? It follows highland workshop practice and reflects ritual aesthetics. It was likely created for decorative or rental-shop use, not confirmed as danced.
Can it hang on a wall? Yes. A hanger is included. For stability, use a secure wall bracket.
