nice mask

Sticking its tongue out while smiling, this mask captures the daring, mischievous nature of spider monkeys. Jose Canil carves the mask of pinewood inspired by the Maya legend that tells of the second destruction of humanity. Accordingly, the so-called wood men and tzité women who survived were transformed into spider monkeys. To the ancient Maya, these monkeys are the patrons of dancers, musicians and artists. The mask's face preserves the wood's natural grain and is designed to hang by an agave rope.

This expertly hand-carved pinewood mask by Jose Canil Ramos of Guatemala brilliantly reflects its Mayan roots. The carved face is adorned with a colorful plume to depict the ornamentation of the upper echelon of Mayan society. The mask is made with an elaborate method to create a unique masterpiece that will stand out on any wall.Of his inspiration, the artisan says, "I made this mask thinking of the artistic beauty of Mayan plumes. Besides being important for denoting social class or hierarchy, they were pieces of art."

"I like making jaguar heads because they remind me of my Maya ancestors. To them the jaguars protected the fields and mountains. They regarded the jaguar as a deity that they honored at the beginning of a harvest," says Jose Canil Ramos. According to Maya cosmogony, the jaguar is represented by the Ix day of the Maya calendar. It symbolizes strength and vigor, as well as feminine and feline energies. Canil carves the mask by hand from pinewood and paints it with extraordinary artistry.

"I like making jaguar heads because they remind me of my Maya ancestors. To them the jaguars protected the fields and mountains. They regarded the jaguar as a deity that they honored at the beginning of a harvest," says Jose Canil Ramos. According to Maya cosmogony, the jaguar is represented by the Ix day of the Maya calendar. It symbolizes strength and vigor, as well as feminine and feline energies. Canil carves the sculpture by hand from pinewood and paints it with extraordinary artistry. Before finishing the piece he applies a mixture of soot and water to achieve an antique and weathered illusion.

A cat headdress pays tribute to Chaak Balam, the "Grand Jaguar" of the ancient Maya pantheon and a symbol of power. By Oscar Rodolfo Mendoza, this dramatic mask depicts an ancient Maya of noble standing, perhaps a priest or king. Modern artisans utilize the same materials and techniques as in pre-Hispanic times, achieving the red, yellow and orange colors from annatto seeds.