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Dead Viejito
$2500

Dead Viejito
Cerrar
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  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito
  • Dead Viejito

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 dancers wear “Charro” clothes, big silver guns and huge Mexican hats. The costumes have Mexican flags allover, because the serpent on the Mexican national emblem remembers, in a very diplomatic way, the Serpent Dance. During the Dance, the role of this character is as the “Jefe” or Owner of the ranch, and he is the boss of the cowboys, played by the rest of the Mexicanos. Brunette skin, extraordinary thick sideburns, curly hair, long beard and wide moustache carvings portray the typical Mexican character. Gray hair and beard give the character a sober look, infusing respect and admiration over his men. But his gesture is not of well being; a mutiny is about to happen and he knows it. His men are fighting over power and neither the overseers nor he can control the big Mexican crowd. At the end of the Dance, he gets killed and the “Living” mask of the character is exchanged by this one; blood stains all over his face, eyes closed highlighted by painted eyelashes and eyebrows and a pale skin denoting his death. The backside shows the Miguel Ignacio Calel Workshop mark (MIC) adding value to the piece; patina demonstrates use. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping!

Map
Age: Approximately carved in the 1950’s.
Ethnic Group: K’iché
Origin: Chichicastenango, El Quiché
Materials: Wood
Use: Dance of the Mexicanos
Technique: hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 9” x 6” x 7”
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