Ecological-Diablo Mask 014

Snake Theme Mask

Snake themes among the masks worn in the danza are featured quite often going back many years to embellishing the piece. The snake, tebék in the Brunka native language, is an important animal in these people’s mytholgy and expression. One can see snakes as integral elements in the Pre-Hispanic objects of the Brunka’s ancestors – such as the highly detailed cast gold amulets.

The hybrid ‘eco-diablo’ mask type is a fusion, or hybrid, of the traditionally worn diablo mask, used in the annually celebrated Danza de los Diablitos, combined with compositional elements borrowed from their natural surroundings. This evolution and exploration of form slowly came about through an emphasis and play with design elements, seen in certain older diablo masks, of an ‘alter-ego’, or totem animal, featured on the forehead, and/or chin, of the mask.

•  Tribe: Brunka (Boruca)
• Artist: Richard Morales D.
• Size: 9 1/2″ x 18″ (24 x 46 cm)