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Guatemalan Ceremonial Mule Mask

Guatemalan Ceremonial Mule Mask

★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors (30 Reviews)

Est. 1987. Historic craftsmanship meets modern design.

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Regular price $105.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $105.00 USD
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Specifications

  • Character: Mule
  • Artist: AJ Canil Family
  • Origin: Guatemala, Chichicastenango 
  • Material: Hand-carved wood with polychrome paint
  • Design: A long-snouted equine form, with the defining feature being an open mouth displaying a full set of large, carved teeth.
  • Palette: A dark green base covered in a dense pattern of white and yellow dots, overlaid with vibrant concentric circles and lines in purple, red, orange, and blue.
  • Vision: Almond-shaped eye openings, outlined in white with painted details.
  • Interior: Unfinished, raw wood with visible, textured tool marks from the carving process.
  • Hanger: Natural fiber cord loop attached for wall display.
  • Estimated date: Late 20th Century (c. 1970s-1990s)
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The paint is vibrant and largely intact with minor scuffs consistent with its age. Please see photos for exact details.

Catalogue Note

This is a dazzling example of Guatemalan folk art, representing a festive mule. Its identity is captured in the prominent, open mouth revealing a full set of large, blocky teeth—a key characteristic used by artisans to portray equine figures in traditional festival art. The mask vibrates with a joyful energy, an effect created by the artist's masterful application of a pointillist-style background over a dark green base.

This intricate foundation serves as a canvas for an explosion of vibrant, layered graphics, including bold concentric circles and free-flowing lines. The piece is a celebration of color and pattern, reflecting the lively role that mules play in village fiestas and parades. It's a powerful and energetic work of art, where the dynamic execution and masterful control of color are the main focus.

Key Highlights

  • Vibrant Guatemalan folk art mask of a festive mule.
  • Features a long equine snout and a full set of large, carved teeth.
  • Intricate, multi-layered paintwork with a festive dotted background.
  • Authentic, hand-carved vintage wood piece.
  • A joyful and energetic statement piece for any collection.

Display and Care

  • Designed for indoor wall display as a piece of art.
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and high humidity to preserve the paint.
  • Dust gently with a soft, dry brush only.

Attribution and Condition Notes

Attributed to a Guatemalan highlands workshop based on its distinctive carving and complex, multi-layered painting style. The rustic finish and visible tool marks on the interior confirm its authentic, handmade origin. The condition is excellent for a vintage piece of this nature.

 

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