Vintage Guatemalan Monkey Mask | Humor & Perspective
Vintage Guatemalan Monkey Mask | Humor & Perspective
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Eligible contiguous U.S. orders of $75+ receive complimentary USPS Priority Mail shipping.
Not every meaningful mask was meant to protect. Some were meant to make the community laugh. In Highland Guatemalan festival traditions, the monkey often appears as a comic or satirical figure, carrying mischief, humor, and the useful reminder not to take human seriousness too seriously.
Hand-carved by an unknown workshop artisan in Chichicastenango, this mid-20th-century mask has a rounded snout, projecting red cheeks, an open mouth, black crown, cream linework, red-rimmed eyes, and a green-and-red floral muzzle. Surface wear and paint aging remain visible, and the construction is consistent with morería workshop production.
Details
Details
- Character: Monkey, comic figure
- Artist: Unknown workshop carver
- Origin: Chichicastenango, Quiché Highlands, Guatemala
- Material: Hand-carved wood with polychrome paint
- Date: Estimated mid-20th century, approximately 1940s–1970s
- Condition: Vintage surface wear and paint aging
- Symbolism: Humor, mischief, satire, and perspective
- Availability: One available
A home does not only need symbols of strength and protection. Sometimes it needs a reminder to laugh.
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If a product is listed as one-of-one, vintage, a unique specimen, or the exact piece photographed, that is the piece you will receive. Repeatable apparel and multi-unit products may use representative photography and will match the purchased style, size, color, and listed specifications.
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We ship to eligible addresses within the United States and supported U.S. territories, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, supported U.S. territories and possessions, and eligible APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. Orders of $75 or more shipping to an eligible address in the contiguous United States receive complimentary USPS Priority Mail shipping. Orders of $75 or more shipping to an eligible address in the contiguous United States receive complimentary USPS Priority Mail shipping. Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and eligible APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are charged the available USPS rate shown at checkout.