olmec masks

Elisa Camarena molds a green mortuary mask with distinct Olmec stylizations. Dating back to 1500, the Olmeca is regarded as the first major civilization in Mexico and their art work is renowned for enormous heads. This green sculpture includes a pinewood base.

Eufrosia Pantaleon is inspired by the legendary Olmec heads in the design of this mask. Believed to represent governors, the original gigantic heads are carved from stone. Pantaleon reinterprets these archeological treasures with this ceramic mask. She paints the blue, golden yellow, red and beige mask with extraordinary detail in celebration of Mexico's flora and fauna.

"Mexico's ancient Olmec people were experts at carving jade," artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association say. "They did so with skill and perfection. The jaguar was a favorite theme, and they frequently depicted human faces with cat-like features. These were the legendary jaguar-men who inspired this original mask." The artisans work in ceramic to craft an intriguing mask that pays tribute to Olmec cosmology.

Similar to the legendary Olmeca head, this blue mask celebrates Mexico's unique flora and fauna. Eufrosia Pantaleon paints elegant peacocks on the cheeks and head while flowers blossom on the nose of this ceramic wall mask.

"Proud of my Mexican roots, I designed this series of 10 coloring postcards featuring the masks of fantastical animals and other creatures. They are inspired by the many clay, paper and wood masks found throughout Mexican artistry," explains Alejandra Aceves. She includes 10 original and different coloring masks inspired by Mexico's millenary cultures including those of Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, and Huichol origin, as well as others from traditional feasts, such as Day of the Dead skulls.

The set of 10 postcards arrives in an acrylic box with information about Aceves' project. Inspired by the illness she lives with, she realized that the symptoms diminished when she concentrated on drawing. Her wish is for others to enjoy being able to relax while coloring her postcards.