Shop HOME Wish List Shopping Bag Latest Acquisitions
Textiles
Masks
Santos
Jewelry
Majolica
Miscellaneous

BreadcrumbsMasksBreadcrumbsPatzcarBreadcrumbsSmall Patzcar with curly eyebrows

Old and rare Child’s Tecún Umán Mask with Cape
$3750

20_2_2_am_01
Cerrar
Product

Alternate images
  • 20_2_2_am_01
  • 20_2_2_am_07
  • 20_2_2_am_03
  • 20_2_2_am_02
  • 20_2_2_am_04
  • 20_2_2_am_05
  • 20_2_2_am_06
  • 20_2_2_am_08

 This character represents the Guatemalan National Hero, the Mayan Prince and General Tecún Umán. The legend tells that he fought against Pedro de Alvarado, the main Spanish Conquistador in the Battle of Quetzaltenango in 1524. As he confronted Alvarado he injured his horse, believing they were one. Alvarado attacked him with his sword and killed him. During the Dance of the Conquest, at three o’clock, Tecún Umán dies; linking him to Jesus dying at the cross. The Quetzal Bird stands in his wounds and gets its red chest from the hero’s blood. A mask with blood stains and closed eyes is worn after this event. This piece has Quetzales decorating the forehead letting us know that this piece was a Tecún Umán Mask. At the Morerías, they will transform characters into another mask just by painting the traditional details of the piece they need. In this case, they transformed this piece into a Spanish Conquistador by painting the skin in strong orange and blond hair. Notice the fine golden painted eyebrows and eyelashes that highlight the blue glass eyes. Thick moustache carvings decorate the gracefully carved mouth; two golden painted teeth demonstrate the character’s high social status. Because of the small size of the mask, this piece was meant to be used by a child. The excellent patina of the backside of the mask shows decades of wear. The lovely mask is accompanied by a gorgeous cape that is part of the costume. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.

Map
Age: Approximately carved in the 1930’s.
Ethnic Group: K’iché
Origin: Joyabaj, El Quiché
Materials: Wood and cloth
Use: Dance of the Conquest
Technique: hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 5” x 6” x 4” for the mask, 37” x 22” for the cape.
Customer Service Separator Contact Us Separator What's new