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 different layers of paint and a smooth
patina that tell us the long journey the piece has gone through. The thick carved
curly moustaches, eyebrows and painted chin beard are highlighted by beautiful
blue glass eyes. The character’s gesture is remarked with tiny red lips and blue
painted beard; the five o’clock shadow. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.
Age: Approximately carved in the early 1900’s.
Ethnic Group: None
Origin: Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepéquez
Materials: Wood
Use: Moors & Christians Dance
Technique: Hand carved at a Morería
Size: Approximately 6” x 8” x 7”
Masks
