Rams Head Antiques

Description

This is a most imposing, very large carved and hand painted ‘Day of the Dead’ mask from Mexico dating from around 1900. The mask has long curling horns, bulging eyes below a deeply furrowed brow, large pierced nose with flared nostrils and mouth with fanged teeth, decorated in muted red white and black pigments.

The day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd widely observed in Mexico where it developed and is also observed in other places especially by people of Mexican heritage. Although related to simultaneous Christian remembrances for Hallowtide it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. The multi day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died.

This is a super example with an amazing look and loads of character.

It is substantial in size measuring 75 cms high 44 cms wide by 35 cms deep.
Provenance

Property of a Gentleman.

From the residual contents of Stanhope Castle, Bishop Auckland.
UK insured packing and delivery is £25