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. Sunburned nose, cheeks and chin are represented with red paint. Notice the fine golden painted eyebrows and eyelashes that highlight the brown glass eyes. Thick moustache carvings decorate the gracefully carved mouth; two golden painted teeth demonstrate the character’s high social status. It is very rare to see a single Quetzal Bird in these kind of masks, most of the have a pair in the forehead. Great patina on the back shows age and lots of use. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.