Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
Antonio López Hernández

Wood, fiber, pigment
ca. Mid 20th century
Height: 11 inches
Other – Regalia

A Parachico mask made of painted wood with raffia fiber headdress/wig. The raffia fiber is woven ixtle (or istle), a fiber obtained from the agave or yucca plant.  This mask is painted with European features including light skin and glass blue eyes. Additional decorative features include brown painted eyebrows, eyelashes, two crescents under the eyes painted black, and a blue gradient on the chin.  A continuous wooden band from ear to ear is carefully and elaborately carved to represent the sideburns and beard, providing a stylized design that frames the face of this mask.

The back of this mask possibly demonstrates the design associated with and apparently introduced by Antonio López Hernández, a famous mask carver of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas.   Also, his masks tend to have painted backs, as seen here.                                                    

The Parachico dance is most famously performed in the town of Chiapa de Corzo in the Mexican state of Chiapas during the traditional Great Feast that takes place from January 4^th to 23^rd each year.  This celebration of music, dance, religious ceremonies and feasting takes place in honor of three Catholic saints—Saint Anthony, Our Lord of Esquipulas, and Saint Sabastian. The costumed dancers wear these wooden masks with bearded Caucasian faces, a serape (long embroidered shawl) and multicolored ribbons, as they play handmade chinchines (tin maracas) and carry statues of saints throughout the city.  This dance of the Parachico embraces all spheres of local life, promoting mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals.

Resource: https://mexicandancemasks.com/?p=3424 – Special Thanks to Bryan Stevens