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 honor 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 many layers of paint and great patina that tell us the long journey the piece has gone through. The thick carved moustaches, strange eyebrows and beard are highlighted by beautiful blue painted eyes. The character’s gesture is remarked with a blush, that represents sunburn. The blue painted skin represents the five o'clock beard of the character. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.
Age: Approximately carved in the 1900’s.
Ethnic Group: Kakchiquel
Origin: San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Sacatepéquez
Materials: Wood
Use: Moors & Christians Dance
Technique: hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 8” x 6” x 7”