Mexican Masks
By: Gretchen Peetz
What are Mexican Masks
The definition of a mask is a covering for all or part of the face. They can be used for a disguise, or to amuse or terrify the people around you. Mexico uses masks for a variety of reasons. 3,000 years ago they were used by priests to summon the power of deities. As time went on masks were used in celebration or ceremonial dances. There are also decorative masks made for decorative purposes. These masks can symbolize a variety of characters such as old men, the devil, human faces, animals, and biblical characters. The main material to make these masks are wood but occasionally clay, stone, and paper mache is used as well.
Devil mask
Even though the devil is normally seen as evil, these masks are supposed to be comical.
Jaguar mask
These masks can be used in dances where hunters are hunting the Jaguar or to maintain the balance of the natural world.
Old man mask
These masks are used to depict the actions of old men.
Taking a Closer Look
Just like our personalities, all masks are different. This being said though, they can possess similar characteristics. Most Mexican masks are hand crafted from wood and have fine features. They focus a lot on the details such as how the wrinkles in an old man mask should look or how the eyes should be carved. These masks can also be very bright and colorful, especially the Day of the Dead masks. No mask is just one color. The style of the masks can be organic and unique because they range from different characters. They also use a variety of the elements and principles of art but commonly they use balance, color, and line.
My opinion
I found Mexican masks to be very interesting because I enjoy the Mexican history. I think a lot of them are unique and can be very expressive. My favorite masks are the Day of the Dead masks because they are very colorful and I enjoy the different designs on them.