Vintage Guatemalan Mule Mask
Vintage Guatemalan Mule Mask
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 by collectors
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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.
FAQ
What does this mask represent? This mask represents a mule, identified by its long snout and a full set of prominent, carved teeth, which is a characteristic feature for this animal in Guatemalan folk art.
Is this item handmade? Yes, absolutely. The distinct carving marks on the interior and the unique, freehand painting are clear evidence that this is a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece.
What is the artistic style? The style is a complex layering of patterns. It begins with a pointillist (dotted) base and builds upon it with bold geometric circles and organic lines, creating a visually rich and celebratory effect.
