A Look Behind Dance Masks of Mexico

The use of masks by various cultures dates to prehistoric times. Cave paintings depicting their use as early as 30,000 years ago have been found in Southern France. Masks conceal the identity of a person, transforming the wearer into a different individual, an animal or even the representation of a spirit.

Masking is an ancient practice in Mexico, and a display of early and mid 20th-Century Mexican dance masks is at the Southwest Museum until Jan. 8. More than 100 are in the exhibit “The Other Face,” organized by Suzanne G. Kenagy, the museum’s curator of Indian art and art historian.

Religious Beliefs

In Mexico, masks are primarily associated with religious beliefs and were used in ceremonies related to curing, hunting, warfare and the impersonation of deities. During the 16th Century, European morality plays and the convention of holiday masking were introduced in Mexico by the Spanish conquerors and Catholic missionaries. This blending of cultures resulted in the Mexican mask tradition.

Most of the masks on display are carved of wood, but there are others made of hide, wax, papier-mache, tin, wire mesh and other materials. Examples also illustrate the recent trend toward commercialization and the manufacture of masks as collectible works of art.

“The primary and most obvious functions of a mask are to conceal the face of its wearer and to substitute another,” Kenagy said. “Many Mexican Indian peoples believe that aside from its physical features, the face also represents the inner personality, while the head is the resting place for one of the two human souls.

“In covering the face, the wearer conceals his everyday, secular appearance, personality and soul, while adopting others of a fantastic or supernatural nature,” she said. “The sacrifice of time, money and physical effort required of masked dance participants functions as a means of fulfilling religious vows and obtaining the favor of indigenous spirits and saints.

“Thus, wearing a mask and performing in dance often can be viewed as a means of establishing communication with the supernatural, in an attempt to influence powerful forces in an uncertain world.”

Only for Men

Masks are usually worn only by men, who impersonate female characters as well. Women may occasionally participate in certain dances, but they do not wear masks.

The Southwest Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; $1.50 for seniors and students with ID, and $1 for 7- to 18-year-olds. Children younger than 7 are admitted free.

The Southwest Museum , 234 Museum Drive in Highland Park , can be reached by taking the Avenue 43 exit of the Pasadena Freeway and following the signs. Information: (213) 221-2164.