Used Ceremonial Mask 010

Description

Older Traditional Witch Mask (la diablita), Boruca village

These traditional, Brunka ceremonial masks represent themselves/their ancestors as the indigenous defenders of their territory and way of life during the onset of European invasion and colonization (a struggle for the Brunka that has not subsided).

This ‘diablita‘ mask, with pipe in mouth, worn during the 3 day duration of the Danza de los Diablitos between the years 2002-2005 in the village of Boruca in the southern Pacific watershed of Costa Rica, was made and worn by Berlamino Leiva – esteemed village elder, patriarch and ceremonial participant, always interpreting the all-important la diabla personage (representing the female ancestral element in el danza/juego every year). Don Berlamino passed away in 2015, leaving this important role to his nephew.