The following item belongs to the range of “Antique and Rare Items of the Casa de Artes’ Treasures Series”. This item can only be purchased online using PAYPAL or a US Dollar Check sent to our P.O. Box address in Florida, USA. For buying instructions please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ----- Exquisite ceremonial dance mask representing the main Spanish Conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado. During the Dance of the Conquest, Alvarado will fight against the leader of the Mayan Warriors, Tecun Uman. Alvarado was sent by Cortez to conquer the south of Mexico, a territory known as "Coactemalan" by the Indigenous people, the “Place of Trees”. When the Mayas saw this blond character, they nicknamed him "Tonatiuh"- the son of the Sun. So when represented during the ceremonies, the blondness of the character is always exaggerated; notice the beautiful colonial style carvings with golden painted hair, sideburns, eyebrows, tiny painted and real hair-made eyelashes, beard and moustaches. Sunburned ears and nose, blushing cheeks; red lips and gorgeous blue glass eyes give this Conquistador a unique look. The exquisite ability of the artist is demonstrated with excellent high relief hair details and stylistic nose and mouth carvings. Notice the golden teeth that represent the wealthy social status of the character. The piece has a superb look with many different layers of paint as skin indicates. The use that the piece had is shown in the incredible backside patina that tells the many adventures and events that this piece has overcome.
Age: Approximately carved in the early 1800’s.
Ethnic Group: K’iché
Origin: San Cristobal, Totonicapán
Materials: Wood
Use: Dance of the Conquest
Technique: Hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 7” x 8” x 5”