masks - Mexic

I M A G E : D e v i l M a s k ( M i c h o a c á n , M e x i c o ) , M e x i c- A r t e M u s e u m P e r m a n e n t C o l l e c t i o n
419 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
512 480 9373
info@mexic–artemuseum.org
www.mexic–artemuseum.org
Masked: Changing Identities sh owcases M exican dance and popular mask s f rom the M exic–
A r te M useum per manent collec tion highlighting the major donation of mask s f rom Patr icia &
C ar mine De V ivi Each selec ted mask ’s vibrant color s and desig ns ref lec t M exican traditions
of indigenous craf t smanship, my thic nar ratives, and dance r ituals.
USES OF MASKS
Many of the masks in Masked: Changing Identities appear in ritual dances,
festivals, and theater performances throughout Mexico. Some performances
originated in certain regions of Mexico, became well-known, and are now
performed throughout the country. Below, you will find examples of some
of the dances that are performed while wearing masks:
The Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) originated in Michoacán
(see map) but is known throughout Mexico. During this performance, dancers
wear masks with the features of an old man and are often lighthearted and
comical. This performance has its origin in indigenous traditions.
Las Danzas de los Moros y Cristianos (Dance of the Christians and the
Moors) are prominent in Guerrero and are dramatic in nature. These
dances tell about the conquest of Mexico. Characters often include
Spanish soldiers and priests conquering the Aztecs and other Mexican
indigenous groups.
To see examples of dances, please visit our YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/officialmexicarte
As you make your way through the exhibition,
imagine the performances in which these masks were used.
Then, come up with your own play or dance
which includes your favorite mask or masks.
IMAGES FROM TOP TO BOT TOM:
O l d M a n M a s k f o r D a n c e o f t h e O l d M e n , G u e r r e r o , M e x i c o , H : 11 . 5 ”, T h e P a t r i c i a & C a r m i n e D e V i v i C o l l e c t i o n , 2 0 1 3 , 2 0 12 . 0 0 1 .1 0
M a s k f o r M o o r & C h r i s t i a n D a n c e D r a m a , P u e b l a , M e x i c o , H : 7.7 5 ”, T h e P a t r i c i a & C a r m i n e D e V i v i C o l l e c t i o n , 2 0 1 3 , 2 0 12 . 0 0 1 . 0 3 7
Early M exic an Mask collec tor s developed a clas sif ic ation sys tem to c ateg or ize his large
collec tion of mask s. T he basic clas sif ic ations consis ted of references to rendered imager y
that was either anth ropomorphic, zoomorphic, or phy tomorphic.
MASK FORMS
Anthropomorphic
These masks include human shapes & features.
P hy to m o r p h i c These masks have plant features & shapes.
Zo o m o r p h i c Animal elements appear in these masks.
Can you identify a mask in the exhibit that fits into more than
one of the categories listed above?
DIFFERENT STYLES OF MASKS
Fu ll H e a d Sits on the shoulders and covers the head completely
Fa c e M a s k Covering the face, usually ties around the head
P a r t ia l Fa c e M a s k s Only covers a part of the face, sometimes is held by hand
Ste p – I n s Worn around the middle and the wearer must “step–in” the mask
Take notice of the different types of masks in the exhibit.
How might they be used differently?
I M A G E S F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
M a s k f o r D a n c e o f t h e A z t e c s o r D a n c e o f t h e M a y a n s , G u e r r e r o , M e x i c o , H : 1 6 . 5 ”, T h e P a t r i c i a & C a r m i n e D e V i v i C o l l e c t i o n , 2 0 1 3 ,
2 0 12 . 0 0 1 . 0 8 2
N e p t u n e M a s k f o r D a n c e o f t h e F i s h e r m a n , R i o B a l s a s , G u e r r e r o , M e x i c o , H : 1 7. 2 5 ”, T h e P a t r i c i a & C a r m i n e D e V i v i C o l l e c t i o n ,
2 0 1 3 , 2 0 12 . 0 0 1 . 0 5 5
M a s k f o r D a n c e o f t h e B a t s , C o m a l a , G u e r r e r o , M e x i c o , H : 1 8 . 5 ”, T h e P a t r i c i a & C a r m i n e D e V i v i C o l l e c t i o n , 2 0 1 3 , 2 0 12 . 0 0 1 . 0 2 7
MATERIALS USED
Leather
Some artisans use leather for ties; others incorporate ornate leather work.
Metal
The use or ornamental metals is common, including hammered metals, metal
wiring, tin and copper.
Wo o d Wood is the most commonly used material and is often carved.
O r g a n i c M a te r ia l s Organic materials used include: teeth, whiskers, hair of boars, horses and
other animals.
P a i n t & P i g m e n t All of the masks are hand painted by artisans.
Take notice of the different materials used in each mask.
Think about the materials & colors you would use
to create a mask of your own.
Take one of the mask activity sheets home with you
to create your own design using your favorite colors &
materials found in your home or outside.
R
G U E R R E R O R
MAP OF MEXICO
MICHOAC AN
The masks in the Mexic–Arte Museum collection come mainly
from Guerrero & Michoacán.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS THAT MADE THIS EXHIBIT POSSIBLE:
This exhibit features the major donation of Patricia & Carmine De Vivi.
Special thank s to T he N et tie Lee B enson L atin A mer ic an Collec tion,
U niver sit y of Texas at Aus tin for their loan of several mask s on view.