A powerful composite carving from the Quiché Highlands of Guatemala. Hand carved wood with bold polychrome paint, featuring a human face crowned by jaguar and eagle spirits.
Final Sale. Each mask is one-of-a-kind. Review photos and description carefully. No returns.
Specifications for the Jaguar and Eagle Spirit Mask
Material: Hand carved wood with polychrome paint and varnish
Design: Red human face crowned with stacked jaguar and eagle heads
Symbolism: Jaguar embodies earth power, the eagle represents sky vision, united with the strength of the Mayan warrior
Interior: Raw carved wood with visible tool marks, fiber or wire hanger
Estimated Date: Late 20th to early 21st century workshop carving
Condition: Bright intact paint, minor edge wear, no structural losses; see photos for exact condition
Catalogue Note
This mask is a striking example of the Mayan Spirit Warrior tradition. The stern red human visage represents ancestral authority, while the jaguar and eagle — stacked above in bold relief — symbolize the dual powers of earth and sky. The jaguar is rendered with spotted muzzle and feline eyes, while the eagle is shown through a hooked beak and piercing raptor gaze. Together, they embody the spiritual balance of strength and vision carried by Mayan men in ceremonial life.
Chichicastenango has long been a hub for mask workshops and morerías (rental shops) that serve festivals and dance dramas. This mask continues that lineage, blending human and animal forces into one emblematic warrior identity, reflecting the community belief in animal power as protectors and guides.
Key Highlights
Part of the Mayan Spirit Warrior Masks Collection
Composite human–animal design uniting jaguar (earth) and eagle (sky)
Hand carved and painted in the highland tradition of Chichicastenango
Glossy finish and graphic linework made for strong stage presence
Powerful wall display piece with authentic cultural symbolism
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 Chichicastenango workshop practice based on style, palette, and glossy varnish finish. The stacked animal composition is consistent with late 20th to early 21st century market and rental-shop production in the Quiché Highlands. Surface shows light wear consistent with handling; carving remains strong and intact. See photos for details.
FAQ
What does this mask represent? It represents a Mayan warrior spirit uniting human authority with jaguar earth power and eagle sky vision.
Was it used in ceremonies? This mask type follows Chichicastenango festival and rental traditions. It reflects ceremonial aesthetics but is not guaranteed to have been danced.
Can I hang it on a wall? Yes. A hanger is included. For stability, use a discreet bracket to support the back rim.
Will I receive the exact item shown? Yes. For one-of-a-kind and individually listed pieces, you will receive the exact item shown on the product page. Each item is photographed individually to reflect its actual condition, character, and details.
Are these items handmade, and will there be variations? Our products are handcrafted and produced in small batches. As a result, slight variations in texture, color, and form are natural and part of the character of each piece. These are not defects.
Do you restock sold-out items? No. When a product sells out, it is permanently gone. Our collection is built around limited, small-batch pieces rather than repeat inventory.
Why is this priced higher than typical products? Pricing reflects craftsmanship and sourcing. Many pieces are handcrafted, small-batch, and directly sourced from artisans rather than mass-produced for scale.
What is your return policy? We offer a 30-day return window for standard apparel. Limited-edition pieces and one-of-a-kind artifacts must be returned within 7 days of delivery. All returns must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags and packaging.
Where does my order ship from, and how fast? Orders ship from Taos, New Mexico. Most orders are processed within 1 business day and include full tracking via USPS or UPS.
Will I pay duties or tariffs? Canadian orders typically incur duties, taxes, and brokerage fees upon delivery. These charges are determined by the destination country and are not included at checkout.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
