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TITLE:
Mask 53
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 1/2 X 7 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1993 CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask was carved by an excellent, and known carver, in the northeastern highlands of the state of Puebla. Notice the carving in the back of the mask. This is the kind of mask that fits like a glove when held against the face -- very comfortable for the dancer. Another unusual trademark of this carver, in the more recent years, is the fifth string hole in the middle of the forehead. As seen in the back view, it is visible there but not from the front because the hole slants upwards and goes out the top rim of the mask. This mask was carved by: Silverio Ochoa Martinez Born 20 June 1944 Carved in San Juan Xiutetelco, Puebla. |
 click picture  click picture click picture | TITLE: Mask 54-a (puppets) MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood and cloth APPROXIMATE SIZE: Estimate the size of the puppets by the size of the box front 11 X 11 inches and 8 1/2 inches front to back. ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1976 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 450 SHIPPING: $ 55 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: These finger puppets and the woodpecker were used in association with the dance of the huehues or tejoneros. With the use of strings, the pecking action of the woodpecker is controlled as the bird scurries up a pole to release a flag of colored streamers. The finger puppets perform looking over a large cloth sign. Two puppets and the woodpecker are typically stored in a chest of the dimensions of the one included here. There are finger holes hollowed out in each of the arms and the torsos of the puppets into which the puppet manipulator inserts his fingers. The out-of-proportion, huge hands are purposefully made that way for vigorous clapping. The stories dramatized differ from place to place, but there is usually a moral to the story. I have been told that puppet and woodpecker celebrations take place principally in the northeastern highlands of Puebla and Veracruz, but even there the practices are dying out. Local mask carvers made the sets. A seamstress would provide the clothing that was used initially and also provide replacement of the easily soiled material. Many sets were stored in the boxes but a few were merely stored in bags. I was also able to find a man gifted in building replacement boxes from solid cedar wood. The scenes that he paints on them depict aspects of these and other events of the celebrations. The storage chest for this set is new. The carver of the puppets and bird was: Juan Antonio Pérez carved in Zapotitlán, Puebla The carver of the new box was Germán Guerrero of Tuzamapan, Puebla. |
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TITLE:
Mask 56-d
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 9 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 11 inches hgh ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 2006 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 700 SHIPPING: $ 100 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This large oso (bear) mask was found in the state of Veracruz close to the Border with Puebla. The articulated jaw is sustained by four strands of recently replaced strips of leather. In the publication, Entre los hombres y las deidades: Las danzas del Totonacapan, Rubén Croda León gives an interesting account of a complex, traditional dance which includes this oso character. He shows a picture taken in the same municipality where I purchased this large mask. In the picture a dancer wearing a similar mask is is being dressed by another person with a cape covered with moss that simulates hair of the beast. Notice in the picture of the backside of my mask, there is a cutout that clears the dancer's neck so that his head can extend within the mask. The wearer has vision to the outside through the mouth when it is opened. This dance is apparently unique to a very small region. This mask was carved by: José Gonzalez Hernandez Born 8 April 1951 Carved in community of Colonia Morelos, Coxquihui, Veracruz |
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TITLE:
Mask 62
MATERIAL: Carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 X 6 /1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1966 CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Part of the charm of this mask is its small size. This is not easily recognizable in the photos. All four tusks are intact. This mask was purchased from an elderly mask collector in Mexico City. He said that it was used in pastorela ceremonies in Tlacotepec, Veracruz. Even though he said the mask was 40 years old, it appears that it would have had about 5 years of use before being retired to a nail on his wall. This mask was purchased from Jaled Muyaes, the famous, now deceased mask collector of Mexico City. |
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TITLE: Mask 63 MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 1/2 X 7 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1978 CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 350 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Not easily seen in the hairdo are the four large, unusual horseshoe shaped curls that are carved into the wood. This mask comes from the state of Veracruz close to the border with Puebla. This mask was found in Mecatlán, Veracruz. |
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TITLE:
Mask 66-a (Puppets)
MATERIAL: heavy wood and cloth APPROXIMATE SIZE: Estimate the size of the puppets by the size of the box front 7 X 10 1/2 inches and 8 1/2 inches front to back. ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1975 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 450 dollars SHIPPING: $ 50 dollars ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: These finger puppets and the woodpecker were used in association with the dance of the huehues. With the use of strings, the pecking action of the woodpecker is controlled as the bird scurries up a pole to release a flag of colored streamers. The finger puppets perform looking over a large cloth sign. Two puppets and the woodpecker are typically stored in a chest of the dimensions of the one included here. There are finger holes hollowed out in each of the arms and the torsos of the puppets into which the puppet manipulator inserts his fingers. The out-of-proportion, huge hands are purposefully made that way for vigorous clapping. The stories dramatized differ from place to place, but there is usually a moral to the story. I have been told that puppet and woodpecker celebrations take place principally in the northeastern highlands of Puebla and Veracruz, but even there the practices are dying out. Local mask carvers made the sets. A seamstress would provide the clothing that was used initially and also provide replacement of the easily soiled material. For those puppets that were found without clothes or if they were ragged or dirty, I was lucky to find an elderly lady of the region that could turn out a fresh set of clothing. As I mentioned, most sets were stored in the boxes but a few were merely stored in bags. Occasionally the boxes are included but with heavy insect damage. I was also able to find a man gifted in building replacements from cedar wood. The scenes that he paints on them depict aspects of these and other events of the celebrations. The box and clothing are new. The puppets are from the region of Cuetzan, Puebla. The woodpecker is from Olintla Puebla. |
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TITLE:
Mask 69
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 1/2 X 7 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1989 It was carved by: Silverio Ochoa Martinez born 20 June1944 It was carved by: Silverio Ochoa Martinez born 20 June1944 carved in Xiutetelco, Puebla. carved in Xiutetelco, Puebla. CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 360 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask was carved by an excellent, and known carver, in the northeastern highlands of the state of Puebla. Notice the carving in the back of the mask. This is the kind of mask that fits like a glove when held against the face -- very comfortable for the dancer. He carver chose to represent the facial hair with with spangles. Another unusual trademark of this carver, in the more recent years, is the fifth string hole in the middle of the forehead. As seen in the back view, it is visible there but not from the front because the hole slants upwards and goes out the top rim of the mask. The mask was carved by: Silverio Ochoa Martinez Born 20 June 1944 Carved in Xiutetelco, Puebla. |
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TITLE:
Mask 72
MATERIAL: Carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 1/2 X 7 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1960 CONDITION: good -- with paint loss apparently from rough use PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 350 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask comes from the state of Veracruz.It was done by a known carver who was 77 years old in 2007. It impersonated María Loca in the dance of the huehues. This mask was carved by: Germán Vega Pérez Born 1930 Carved in Chumatlán, Puebla. . |
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TITLE: Mask
75
MATERIAL: Carved and painted equimite, a light wood with rubber ears APPROXIMATE SIZE: head is 5 1/2 X 8 inches an horns tip to tip measures 13 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 2002 CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 290 SHIPPING: $ 60 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This especially well constructed mask comes from the state of Veracruz. . It was purchased in the region of Alto Lucero, Veracruz. . |
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TITLE: Mask 76 MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 X 7 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1963 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 350 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask was found in the northeastern highlands of the state of Veracruz. Under the paint that has worn off, there can be seen an earlier coat of pink. This mask was found in: Yancuitlalpan, Puebla. |
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TITLE:
Mask 77
MATERIAL: Carved and painted equimite, a light wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 x 13 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1992 CONDITION:good condition PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 260 SHIPPING: $ 40 It was carved by: Silverio Ochoa Martinez born 20 June1944 carved in Xiutetelco, Puebla. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This extra large mask comes from the state of Veracruz. They use this type of mask to depict Pilate, the leader of the Pilatos. The character for this dance differs in appearance from village to village. Perhaps not evident in the picturee are the large eyebrows that are carved protruding about an inch from the face. This mask was purchased in: Tepetlán, Veracruz and probably carved in Naolinco, Veracruz. |
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TITLE:
Mask 78 MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood and cloth trimmings APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 1/2 X 9 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1970 CONDITION: fair -- with much paint loss -- more below in additional comments. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 420 SHIPPING: $ 45 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask has been through considerable rough-housing --most likely by drunken dancers hitting each other with sticks and throwing the mask around. This along with normal paint loss makes for a rough appearance of an otherwise well carved mask. It was made by a known carver that recently psassed away. Nearly unnoticed among the spotted paint is what appears to be a natural crack line from the middle of the chin up through the middle of the forehead. It is a sturdy mask. Under the chin is a white and green cloth which is called a cantunga. The mask comes from the state of Puebla close to the border with the state of Veracruz. This mask was carved by: Daniel Ramos Ramos $34 My estimate of his birthdate is 1940. Carved in Nanacatlán, Puebla. |
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TITLE: Mask 80 -- Dance Horse MATERIAL: Carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: nose to tip of tail -- 34 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1970 CONDITION: good --with some thinning paint or peeling paint PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 1,600 SHIPPING: $ 300 dollars -- To facilitate shipping, the horse will be disassembled into three major parts for easy reassambly with four wood screws. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: In the santiaguero dance Santiago stands within the box structure at his waist. I have only seen one dance horse attributed to this great carver. I will let the pictures speak for the quality. This dance horse was carved by: Benito Juárez Figueroa Born 14 February 1910 Died 24 June 1994 He lived and carved in three towns. He was born 1910 in Nanacatlán, Puebla, where he left in 1930 to Ixtepec, Puebla. He lived there until 1970 when he moved to Filomeno Mata Veracruz. He lived there from 1970 to 1983. He then moved back to Ixtepec where he passed away in 1994. He was still carving in the last year of his life. He left behind a trail of some of the finest masks in the region. This rare carving would be an outstanding addition to any Mexican ceremonial dance collection. |
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TITLE: Mask 83 MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 3/4 X 7 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1978 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 350 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask was carved by a known, now deceased carver from the state of Veracruz, close to the border with Puebla. The mask was carved by:Xaztipan, Puebla Mateo Luna Vasquez, better known as Luís de Luna Born: 23 December 1953 Died: 14 May 2008 Carved in Zozocolco de Hidalgo, Veracruz |
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TITLE:
Mask 84
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 1/4 X 6 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1960 CONDITION: good -- indicated in the enlargegement of the middle image is a triangular insert repairing missing wood on the bottom rim of the mask. The patch is well done. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I purchased this mask from a known ex dancer who claimed that he had carved the mask at least thirty years ago. A relative of his, actually a well respected carver, told me without seeing the mask he himself and not the dancer had actually carved it. The mask comes from the northeastern highlands of the state of Puebla. The most likely carver was: Roberto Villegas Santiago Born 14 May 1930 Carved in San Juan Ozelonacaxtla, Puebla |
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TITLE:
Mask 85
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 1/4 X 6 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1963 CONDITION: good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This female huehue was carved by a known carver in the state of Veracruz close to the border with the state of Puebla. The carver was: José Gonzalez Galindo Born 31 August 1935 Coxquihui, Veracruz. |
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TITLE: Mask
86
MATERIAL: Carved and painted equimite, a light wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 9 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 2000 CONDITION: very good condition PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 220 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask comes from the state of Veracruz. It was purchased in Alto Lucero,Veracruz. |
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TITLE: Mask
87-a MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 1/2 X 7 1/2 ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1960 CONDITION: good -- in the enlargement of the back side you can see a crack a the right bottom under the chin. That crack is barely visible at the same position on the front, painted side of the mask. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 480 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This very old huehue mask was carved by a known carver in the northeastern highlands of the state of Puebla. The old customs of the dances are fading away and the elderly carver seldom carves new ones. He is usually in the fields working when we visit. He barely speaks Spanish. We did not purchase this mask directly from the carver but when we do visit, he and his pleasant family always invite us to eat. The carver was actually the same as the carver whose mask was selected Mexian Mask of the Year 2007. This mask was carved very early in his career. The carver was: Roberto Villegas Santiago Born 14 May 1930 Carved in San Juan Ozelonacaxtla, Puebla. |
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TITLE: Mask
88
MATERIAL: Carved and painted equimite, a light wood with a tuft of some type black fiber for the foremane. APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 X 9 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 2000 CONDITION: very good condition PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 280 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask comes from the state of Veracruz. It was purchased in: Alto Lucero, Veracruz. . |
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TITLE:
Mask 89
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood with horse hair and lace APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 8 1/4 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1970 CONDITION: fair -- much paint loss PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 580 SHIPPING: $ 45 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This wild looking mask was found in the state of Puebla close to the border of the state of Veracruz. The mask was made by a known carver that recently passed away. It has experienced much rough-housing in its time -- probably by drunken dancers. The pretty white lace-like material and orange cloth with spangles, all aroung the back edge of the mask are a contrast to the fiery face.This mask was carved by: Daniel Ramos Ramos My estimate of his birthdate is 1940. Carved in Nanacatlán, Puebla. |
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TITLE: Mask
90
MATERIAL: Carved and painted hardwood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 X 7 1/2 years ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1998 click picture CONDITION: excellent condition PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 290 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMENTS: This mask was collected in the northeastern highlands of the state of Puebla. It was purchased in: Vicente Guerrero, Puebla . |
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TITLE:
Mask 92
MATERIAL: carved and painted copalillo wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 9 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1987 CONDITION: good condition--there is a crack that is indicated in the enlargementof the back side. The crack is barely visible in the front and was probably touched up there. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 260 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This viejito dance mask comes from the state of Michoacán. The owner/carver says that it is eighteen years old. Do not reject this mask on the grounds of the color of the back of the mask. At first I told the owner that I didn't want it because the back was painted. It took him a while to convince me that that was the natural color of the wood; and this, only after he carved out a sliver from the edge of another of the masks that I purchased to show that it was also white underneath. It takes a long time for this wood to acquire a darker patina. He also sold me the first mask that he ever carved thirty-eight years ago. At that stage the wood was a darker tan. There is a thin crack that that runs along the side of the nose from an eye down to the mouth.. From the front it is barely noticeable. Of course there are no insects to be seen as I was assured that the wood was gathered under a full moon. çThe mask wasa carved by: Federico Flores Carved in Erongaicuaro, Michoacan. |
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TITLE:
Mask 94
MATERIAL: Carved and painted equimite, a light wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 10 1/2 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 2002 CONDITION: very good condition PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 220 SHIPPING: $ 45 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask comes from the state of Veracruz. I purchased it from the captain of a carnival dance group in the village of Alto Lucero. He was disbanding the group and sold me several masks. This mask was purchased in: Alto Lucero, Veracruz. |
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TITLE:
Mask 95
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 7 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1960 CONDITION: very good PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 390 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: We recognized this mask immediately as having been carved by a now deceased, well known carver that lived and carved both in the northeastern highlands of puebla and in the state of Veracruz. We showed the mask to the daughter of the carver for her confirmation. She was surprised to see the mask since she had only recently repainted it for a dancer. The young lady is the only female carver that I have run across in Mexico. She is from a family of carvers dating back continuously to her great-grandfather. The carver of this mask was: Benito Juárez Figueroa Born 14 February 1910 Died 24 June 1994 Carved in Filomena Mata, Veracruz ( He lived there from 1970 to 1983) He was born in Nanacatlán, Puebla, where he left in 1930 to Ixtepec, Puebla. He lived there until 1970 when he moved to Filomeno Mata, Veracruz, until 1983. He then moved back to Ixtepec where he passed away in 1994. He left behind a trail of some of the finest masks in the region. |
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TITLE:
Mask 96
MATERIAL: Carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 3/4 X 7 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1970 CONDITION: very good--with a recent coat of paint. On the enlargement of the back of the mask, I have indicated a one inch fissure at the rim underneath the chin. It is more visible on the inside than on the front of the mask. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 280 dollars SHIPPING: $ 40 dollars ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This nicely detailed and well preserved mask was found in the state of Veracruz. It was used in the dance of the huehues. This mask was purchased in: La Noria, Veracruz. |
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TITLE: Mask 97-a MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1960 CONDITION: good -- There were considerable insect spots front and back of this mask. I managed to wash off most of the spots on the face but more stains remain on the back of the mask. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 dollars SHIPPING: $ 40 dolars ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This beautiful female huehue mask was found in the state of Veracruz close to the state of Puebla. It comes from: Filomeno Mata, Veracruz |
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TITLE:
Mask 98
MATERIAL: carved and painted heavy wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 6 1/2 X 9 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1987 CONDITION: good -- there us a chip of wood that broke from the back rim of the mask as seen in the picture of the back in the top left corner. It is practically not visible from the front or sides of the mask. PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 380 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Both sides are not visible here, but if you could see both sides at the same time you could see that the character is wearing sunglasses (two lenses) and not an eye patch. This is a very heavy mask because I was told that it is made from cedar root. This mask comes from the highlands of Veracruz. We can assume that it is a mask that was carved exclusively for the carnival celebrations. This mask was gathered in Zozocolco de Hidalgo, Veracruz |
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TITLE:
Mask 99
MATERIAL: carved and painted light wood APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7 X 8 inches ESTIMATED CARVING DATE: 1990 CONDITION: very good - The previous owner gave the mask a repaint. . PRE-AUCTION PRICE: $ 280 SHIPPING: $ 40 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This mask was carved by Francisco de Aquino born 20 June 1928 died 24 January 2003 carved in Xochitlán, Puebla |
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