JAGUAR MASKS

asks were worn in pre-Columbian times during battles for protection and during religious rituals. During colonial times, masked dramas were used to teach Christianity to Indian populations. Today most masking takes place in dance dramas performed during the celebration of important dates in the Catholic calendar.

The jaguar has been an important symbol in Latin America since pre-Columbian times. The powerful symbol persisted and now represents an Indian-Christian blend. Jaguar masks and costumes are still worn in hundreds of southern Mexican villages during annual petitions for rain and celebrations honoring the Holy Cross.

  Objects

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Ceremonial

  
 
 
 
  Jaguar mask , 19th century, Artist unknown, State of Guerrero, Mexico, Glass, painted wood, boar bristle and teeth: 14" x 12" x 7-1/2", The Nelson A. Rockefeller Mexican Folk Art Collection.