Salamander And Lizard Devil Mask

$150.00

Worn during Holy Week for the Devil’s dance, masks are used to hide the identity of a person and by its own features, enables them to masquerade as another being. The Devil’s dance was originally a ritual dedicated to Ruja, to ask him to free the Africans from their terrible working conditions. Nowadays the dance still begins with summoned with respect and reverence although the concept of worshiping him has gradually diminished and been replaced by paying homage to the dead – which is why the dance is only performed on November 1st and 2nd, the Catholic festival of All Saints Day. Originally the dancers went to houses that had altars in honor of their dead family members and friends. They would dance at each house and eat food offered there. When they had finished they went through the village streets, down the main street, until they reached the hub of the community, the tree in front of the town hall.

Description

Worn during Holy Week for the Devil’s dance, masks are used to hide the identity of a person and by its own features, enables them to masquerade as another being. The Devil’s dance was originally a ritual dedicated to Ruja, to ask him to free the Africans from their terrible working conditions. Nowadays the dance still begins with summoned with respect and reverence although the concept of worshiping him has gradually diminished and been replaced by paying homage to the dead – which is why the dance is only performed on November 1st and 2nd, the Catholic festival of All Saints Day. Originally the dancers went to houses that had altars in honor of their dead family members and friends. They would dance at each house and eat food offered there. When they had finished they went through the village streets, down the main street, until they reached the hub of the community, the tree in front of the town hall.

Additional information

Origin

Guerrero, Chapa, Mexico

Dimensions

10.5" x 7.5" x 3"