Monkey Mask, Guatemala

Polychrome wooden dance mask representing a monkey's head. He appeared in the dance of the monkeys (Danza de los monos) or in the dance of the stags (Danza de los Venados). These two dances have a pre-Hispanic origin and include stories where different animals can intervene, which generally symbolize struggles between villagers and wild animals, between humans and evil spirits.
This mask is beautifully made and very realistic both in sculpting and painting. It is a very beautiful old testimony of Guatemalan indigenous art.
Size: 20.3 cm x 14 cm
Polychrome wood, wear, scratches and slight losses (see photos)
Late 19th or early 20th century Guatemala
Provenance: ex private collection of Hawaii, United States
                     ex-Dave deRoche collection, California, USA
sold with its base