Guatemalan Quetzal-Frog Headdress Mask from Chichicastenango
Guatemalan Quetzal-Frog Headdress Mask from Chichicastenango
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📜 Final Sale – All items are unique collector artifacts. Please review descriptions and photos carefully. No returns.
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Authentic highland folk art. Hand carved wood with vibrant polychrome. Vintage workshop style
Final Sale. Each piece is unique. Review photos and description carefully. No returns.
Specifications for the Chichicastenango Quetzal-Frog Mask
- Artist: Unknown
- Origin: Chichicastenango, Quiché Highlands, Guatemala
- Material: Hand carved wood with natural and acrylic pigments
- Form: Red human face with headdress featuring a green quetzal bird, a spotted frog beneath, and a carved side profile head.
Authentic Guatemalan Headdress Mask Description
Bold red human visage crowned by a quetzal bird rendered in green and red. Set below the bird is a spotted frog, adding a rare amphibian motif. A secondary human profile is carved into the headdress for layered symbolism. The interior shows adze and gouge marks consistent with Chichicastenango workshop carving. The high-contrast palette in green, red, yellow, and black is typical of festival masks designed to read from a distance.
This example reads as a vintage workshop piece from the Chichicastenango trade, made for local celebrations and the market. Strong wall presence, crisp carving, and uncommon quetzal plus frog combination make it a standout.
Key Highlights
- Quetzal and spotted frog headdress over a red human face
- Side profile head integrated into the crown
- Traditional single-block hand carving with visible tool marks
- Vivid polychrome suited for festival display and interior decor
- Classic Chichicastenango workshop production
Display and Care
- Indoor display recommended
- Dust lightly with a soft dry brush
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
- Hang from the drilled hole or place on a stand
Attribution and Condition
Attributed to the Chichicastenango mask trade based on form, palette, and carving style. Vintage polychrome with typical handling wear. Reverse shows tool marks from hand work. See photos for exact condition.
FAQ
Is this an authentic Guatemalan mask? Yes. Carving, paint, and construction align with Chichicastenango workshop production.
What do the quetzal and frog mean? The quetzal is a sacred national bird associated with liberty and prestige. The frog is linked to rain and fertility. Together they add strong symbolic interest.
Was it used in performance? Produced for local dances and the market. This example shows vintage workshop patina.
Can I hang it? Yes. Use the drilled hanger hole for indoor display.
