Ancient mask from Mexico

Polychrome wooden dance mask depicting a moor. This type of mask belongs to a very old tradition "the dance of the moors and christians" imported by the conquering european missionaries. This dance became the "dance of the conquista", translating the relationships between the conquerors and the subjugated populations of central america. This dance of the "moros y cristianos", is among the most popular dances of mexico and guatemala. The spanish priests imported this danced drama representative of the universal conflict between good and evil, inspired by the legends of spain. They let it amalgamate with the rich traditions of the indians and used it to convert them. The masks were thus integrated into religious festivals by the indians. The mask has a beautiful patina of use - state of guerrero, mexico. Mid-19th century. Note a small restoration with wood glue on one side, barely visible on the external face of the mask. Dimensions height 19 cm, width 15 cm, depth at the tip of the nose 12 cm. Weight 120 gr.