Ecological-Diablo Mask 014

Description

Forest Kinship

This dynamic, de-constructed traditional diablito mask (worn by ceremonial participants in this venerable cultural event of the Brunka tribe of Costa Rica) is composed of living flora and fauna elements expressing a forest kinship.

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: Melvin Gonzalez R.
• Size: 9″ x 16 3/4″ (23 x 42.5 cm)