During the Moors & Christians dance, Christians will fight Moors representing the Crusade battles in Europe. Spaniards brought the dance to Guatemala telling tall tales about their victory over the Muslim Invasion. The Dance is sometimes called “12 Pares de Francia” -12 Pairs of France, in a reference to Charlemagne and the Catholic overcome. Guatemalan Ceremonial Mask Dances are performed to honour both Catholic and Mayan Deities. The Christian side is represented with blond, white-pale skin characters; meanwhile the Moors are portrayed with black hair and red-dark skin. This piece has extraordinary thick carved brown moustaches, eyebrows and beard; red dots as sunburn decorate the piece. Notice the gracefully painted eyes highlighted by tiny eyelashes and a blue line. Patina on the back denotes use. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping!
Age: Approximately carved in the 1940’s.
Ethnic Group: Kekchí
Origin: Cobán, Alta Verapaz
Materials: Wood
Use: Moors & Christians Dance
Technique: hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 7” x 6” x 7”