Description
Golden Chief, Used Indigenous mask
This used ceremonial mask – a ‘golden chief’ mask– alludes to the tribe’s powerful and mystic ancestral leaders durij (shaman in Brunka language) and suretka (tradiional chiefs). These ancestral figures mystically possessed incredible endurance and strength, they were leaders and healers, but also, the durij and suretka could send animals, or spirits, to do damage or punish those who threatened the community, or broke tribal taboo. This design, carved in local balsa wood, is called a diablito mask in Spanish. In the ‘choreography’ of the juego, these masked ceremonial participants represent the Brunka people themselves, aboriginal people of the southern Pacific Coast watershed of Costa Rica, for this venerable, annually celebrated ceremony.
This mask was worn in the venerable danza in Boruca village, Costa Rica (Danza de los Diablitos). One can see clear signs of use – authentic battle scars after having been worn in this rather brusque tribal event lasting three days. This carved balsa wood mask is adorned with feathers from local bird species and a ‘golden’ nose adornment featuring a coatimundi jawbone.
The Brunka have been carving such masks going back centuries, the faces of which are, at times, frightening, simply grotesque, animal naguals, or infra-human – representing how the non-Christian natives repulsed many of the European newcomers intent on controlling and taming los indios (indians).
Tribe: Brunka (Boruca)
- Size: 23 1/2″ tall
- Artist: Paco Lazaro
