tin_mask_with_beard.JPGSomewhere deep in the collective consious of every culture lies a fascination with body alteration through the use of masks. Form highly carved wooden ceremonial masks from Africa to masks made of bronze used in Buddhist ceremonies , masks have tapped into the human imagination and have been an indispensible part of religious expression, the performing arts, and the battle field.

In pre-Columbian latin america the use of masks dates back some 3,500 years. Priests summoned the Gods by donning masks and they were used in sacrificial rituals. The “shock and awe” effect of the masks was used with great success by these ancient priests.

The introduction of the Spanish in the 1600’s saw the use of masks change in the hispanic culture. The Spanish used masks in the effort to spread Christianity, borrowing the powerful cultural icon for their use. The church used the masks in dramatic presentations of the stories of the bible and to intimidate the natives by portraying reenactments of battles.

In the last century the use of masks in ceremonies waned. A new phenomena occurred -the creation of masks for sale rather than for ceremony. Artisans practiced their craft in wood and bone portraying the mystery and beauty of the Mexican culture in masks. These artists leave their mark and their experiences on their work. A 16th century diablo mask may be re-interpreted by modern artists to resemble Darth Vador thus incorporating modern cultural experiences in an ancient media.

At Mexicanmasks.net we offer a variety of masks in many mediums for you, as well as other Latin American ethnographic items. By purchasing a mask for your collection you will be linking yourself to thousands of years of the hispanic experience through a unique, beautiful, mysterious decorative item. Click on a description of the mask to take you to the auction site to start your bidding and your collection.

810-cherub-winged-flaying-angel-wooden--el-charly--alas 810 CHERUB WINGED flaying ANGEL WOODEN -EL CHARLY- alas
US $19.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 19:17:55 PDT
314-devil-wooden-mask-real-goat-horns-wood-magnificent! 314 DEVIL WOODEN MASK real goat horns wood magnificent!
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 19:51:03 PDT
916-cherub-w crown-winged-mexican-wooden-wall-decor!!!! 916 CHERUB W/CROWN WINGED MEXICAN WOODEN WALL DECOR!!!!
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 19:55:08 PDT
686-cherub-old-winged-mexican-wooden-mask-wall-decor- 686 CHERUB OLD WINGED MEXICAN WOODEN MASK wall decor
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 19:59:22 PDT
337-cherub-winged-mexican-wooden-wall-decor-folkar-wood 337 CHERUB WINGED MEXICAN WOODEN WALL DECOR folkar wood
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:11:49 PDT
998-tiger-mexican-wooden-mask--mirror-eyes-nice-wood!!! 998 TIGER MEXICAN WOODEN MASK MIRROR EYES NICE wood!!!
US $13.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:15:44 PDT
528-set-3-tiger-mexican-wooden-mask-fantastics!!!!!!!!! 528 Set 3 TIGER MEXICAN WOODEN MASK FANTASTICS!!!!!!!!!
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:17:11 PDT
536-set-2-tiger-mexican-wooden-mask-wood-mirror-eyes!!! 536 Set 2 TIGER MEXICAN WOODEN MASK wood MIRROR EYES!!!
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:17:55 PDT
329-angel-winged-cherub--mexican-wooden-mask-wall-decor 329 ANGEL winged CHERUB MEXICAN WOODEN MASK wall decor
US $17.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:18:02 PDT
527-set-2-tiger-mexican-wooden-mask-red-tongue!!!!!!! 527 Set 2 TIGER MEXICAN WOODEN MASK RED TONGUE!!!!!!!
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:20:13 PDT
551-set-3-tiger-mexican-wooden-mask-fantastics!!!!!!!!! 551 Set 3 TIGER MEXICAN WOODEN MASK FANTASTICS!!!!!!!!!
US $24.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 20:21:29 PDT
traditional-hand-painted-goblin-mask-panama-art- Traditional Hand Painted Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:08:07 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-dragon-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Dragon Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:12:59 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $47.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:23:45 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-bat-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Bat Mask Panama Art
US $32.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:31:39 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:35:34 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:38:58 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:42:50 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-tiger-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Tiger Mask Panama Art
US $41.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:46:42 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-bull-bat-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Bull Bat Mask Panama Art
US $41.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:54:24 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $39.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 22:57:32 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $41.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 23:01:05 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $44.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 23:04:57 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $44.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 23:07:51 PDT
traditional-devil-dance-goblin-mask-panama-art Traditional Devil Dance Goblin Mask Panama Art
US $49.00
End Date: Monday Sep-06-2010 23:11:07 PDT