Máscara de Carnaval

Máscara de Carnaval

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Description
Although introduced by Spanish settlers, the island's carnival celebrations, like mask making, music, and public performance, have developed into uniquely Puerto Rican traditions that also reflect the customs and sensibilities of Puerto Ricans' African ancestors. This carnival mask pictured here was made by Félix Vázquez. Its comical eyelashes are complimented by a set of teeth that once belonged to a horse or donkey.
Description (Spanish)
Si bien los colonos españoles fueron quienes introdujeron en la isla las celebraciones del carnaval, tales como la fabricación de máscaras, la música y las representaciones públicas, en la isla se desarrollaron tradiciones exclusivamente puertorriqueñas que reflejan las costumbres y sentimientos de sus ancestros africanos. La Máscara de Carnaval que aquí se ilustra es una obra de Félix Vázquez, en la cual sus cómicas pestañas se complementan con un conjunto de dientes que alguna vez pertenecieran a un caballo o burro.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
carnival mask
Date made
20th century
maker
Vazquez, Felix A.
Place Made
Puerto Rico: Ponce, Ponce
Physical Description
papier mache; animal teeth; rubber/elastic (overall material)
handmade (overall production method/technique)
paper (overall material)
paint (overall material)
teeth (mouth material)
rubber (back material)
papier mache (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 58.2 cm x 59 cm x 32 cm; 22 15/16 in x 23 1/4 in x 12 5/8 in
ID Number
1997.0097.0012
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0012
Credit Line
Gift of Teodoro Vidal
subject
Carnivals
Donkeys
Puerto Rico
Costume
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Ethnic
Cultures & Communities
Vidal
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

To be a art craft to me this Carnival Mask (Mascara de Carnival) made from my Grandfather is prefect he also still doing this unique Mask from his house in Ponce Puerto I Grown watching him doing them and I feel very very Proud for him and his talent.... Te Amo Abuelito. I'm very happy to see your Magnificat talent here on display.
"Beautiful mask ,Félix Vázquez is one of the best mask makers of Puerto Rico he is a very humble person still lives in Ponce , P.R.you have to see his latest mask they are fantastic.He is my uncle and i feel very proud to see his work here on disply."

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