A striking ceremonial lion mask from the Aj Canil family of Chichicastenango, this mid-century work channels the regal and ferocious energy of the feline protector. In Guatemalan highland tradition, the lion—though not native—has been mythologized as a universal emblem of strength, authority, and ancestral vigilance, its image adopted into festival performance with powerful visual intent.
The mask’s palette—saturated ochres, incandescent reds, and piercing turquoise—radiates an almost cosmic dynamism. Concentric circles, painted fangs, and a carved mane coalesce into a visage that is at once fierce and transcendent. It is a convergence of sacred geometry and sculptural force, imbued with ceremonial presence and a richly worn patina that suggests decades of ritual use.
This singular piece speaks to both the enduring artistry of the Aj Canil lineage and the adaptive symbolism of Guatemalan mask traditions.
Highlights:
Singular ceremonial lion mask, mid-20th century
Created by the Aj Canil family of Chichicastenango
Symbolizes protection, ancestral strength, and ritual power
Ideal for gallery display, private collection, or ethnographic curation
