Mask Item Number: 2655/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark red deer-like mask with red bushy hair and sideburns. Antlers are also dark red in colour and have two prongs each. The eyes are cut-out, are oval in shape and are close together. The top of the snout is long and wide and tapers to a rounded point. The mouth is open and has a thin tongue.
History Of Use
This would have been worn during the Cora Easter Week celebrations. Youths play the role of Judeos and they fashion their own papier-mâché masks. Under the command of their captains, they begin their hunt for Jesus Christ. After Christ’s death, the Judeos take over the village, fighting each other with wooden swords, dancing and threatening anyone who fails to acknowledge their authority. The usual order of the world is reversed; speech is replaced by babble, buffoons taunt onlookers and chaos ensues. With the resurrection of Christ, power reverts to the civil leaders and Judeos collapse in spasms, eventually washing the paint off their bodies and burning their masks as order is returned to the community.
Item History
- Made in Nayarit, Mexico
- Owned by Alfred H. Siemens before August 17, 2005
- Received from Alfred H. Siemens (Donor) on August 17, 2005
What
Who
- Culture
- Cora
- Previous Owner
- Alfred H. Siemens
- Received from
- Alfred H. Siemens (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nayarit, Mexico
When
- Ownership Date
- before August 17, 2005
- Acquisition Date
- on August 17, 2005
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 91
- Accession Number
- 2655/0001