Mexican Guerrero Painted Copper Barbone Mask

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Latin America, Mexico, Guerrero, ca. early 20th century CE. An evocative copper repousse mask depicting a bearded man with earrings … Read more Latin America, Mexico, Guerrero, ca. early 20th century CE. An evocative copper repousse mask depicting a bearded man with earrings of copper bells reminiscent of those once made by the Mixtec people of the region. The vibrant vizard features a lively face with a flowing beard, a crocodilian headdress, high cheek bones, bulging eyes with eye holes beneath, and an open mouth with 2 prominent front teeth. The verso presents a metal wire for display, as well as a chin rest and cloth covering for greater comfort when worn. Sometimes called "barbones" or "bearded old men," masks of this type have been said to serve varying functions such as being used in the "rain-petitioning dance," serving as Carnival masks, representing the god Tlaloc, depicting a European man, and being used to chase Spaniards out of their pueblos in the mountains of Guerrero. Size: 15.7" W x 30.6" H (39.9 cm x 77.7 cm) See less