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Flowers Black Overseer
$550

Flowers Black Overseer
Cerrar
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  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer
  • Flowers Black Overseer

The Dance of the Mexicanos is a variation of the Serpent Dance, a fertility ritual banned by the Catholic Church because of its sexual orientation. The costumes used by the dancers have Mexican flags allover, because the serpent on the Mexican national emblem remembers, in a very diplomatic way, the Serpent Dance. The dancers wear “Charro” clothes, big silver guns and huge Mexican hats. Brunette skin, extraordinary thick sideburns, curly hair and wide moustache carvings portray the typical Mexican character. This specific character represents the Overseer or “Capataz”, his role during the dance is to keep the “Mexicanos” working. In that time, black men who earned freedom had a higher social status than Indigenous people; they were hired as Overseers. This “Negrito” has golden teeth, symbolizing his wealth and social status. The ancient Mayas used to decorate their teeth with jade, nowadays gold is the preferred material.. The backside patina denotes use. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.

Map
Age: Approximately carved in the 1940’s.
Ethnic Group: K’iché
Origin: Santa Cruz del Quiché, El Quiché
Materials: Wood
Use: Dance of the Mexicanos
Technique: hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 6” x 6” x 7”
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