Carnival Mask

Description:

Carnival celebrations featuring performers dressed as devils are found across Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. The presence of these characters during Carnival is understood by many as an ancient reference to the contest between good and evil. This devilish mask shows the characteristic style of its maker, Leonardo Pagán. Born in 1929, Pagán was the student of a renowned mask maker, Juan Careta, who worked from the 1890s until the 1950s. After his mentor's death, Pagán masks became highly prized. Pagán died in 2000.

Date Made: 1997-04

Maker: Pagan, Leonardo

Description (Spanish): Las celebraciones de carnaval durante las cuales se observan individuos disfrazados de diablos son comunes en Puerto Rico y el resto de América Latina. Muchos interpretan la presencia de estos personajes durante el Carnaval como una antigua referencia a la contienda entre el bien y el mal. Esta máscara diabólica representa el estilo característico de su creador, Leonardo Pagán. Nacido en 1929, Pagán fue estudiante del renombrado artesano de máscaras, Juan Careta, cuyo trabajo se extendió desde la década de 1890 hasta la de 1950. Luego de la muerte de su mentor, las máscaras de Pagán se volvieron muy preciadas. Pagán falleció en el año 2000.

Place Made: Puerto Rico: Ponce, Ponce

Subject: Puerto RicoCostume

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Ethnic, Cultures & Communities, Vidal

Exhibition: Artifact Walls

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Gift of Teodoro Vidal

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1997.0097.1215Catalog Number: 1997.0097.1215Accession Number: 1997.0097

Object Name: carnival mask

Physical Description: plastic (overall material)papier mache (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 43.6 cm x 34.7 cm x 27.5 cm; 17 3/16 in x 13 11/16 in x 10 13/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-38dd-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_602585

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