Nahua Jaguar Mask - Mexico - Guerrero First Half Of The 20th Century

Wood with traces of polychromy - multiple ancient restorations of use. This anthropozoomorphic Nahua mask, originating from the region of the Rio Balsas, in the state of Guerrero in Mexico. Fusing elements of the Mesoamerican tradition with colonial influences, this mask embodies the cultural hybridity of its origin. The nahual is an alter ego, often an animal, that is born, lives and dies with the person. Each individual has a nahual, and the rites to identify this nahual are essential from birth. Masks in Mexico find their origins in Mesoamerican cultures, where they were used in rituals to protect, transform and confer power to those who wore them. During the colonial era, masks were reappropriated by indigenous populations, acquiring magical, satirical, warlike or erotic powers. They represent a fusion of these influences, combining European and Mesoamerican elements. - 28cm high + beard (approx. 33) - width 18.3 depth 9.3