In the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz, old masked dances have survived in isolated mountain regions. These dances include wonderful masks of humans and animals, masks with beautiful, comic, or wicked faces. Created by Indigenous master carvers, mascareros, these masks and puppets appear during religious fiestas. Over 700 vivid color photos reveal these masks and puppets in all their glory. The thoroughly researched text answers the questions about who made these beautiful works of art, who these dance characters are, and the nature of the religion they represent. The Spanish conquerors strove to convert the Indian inhabitants of Mexico to Christianity. However, these converts secretly retained important deities from earlier times to accompany Christian elements, creating a poetic blend of beliefs. Given that these indigenous peoples have suffered many injustices, the masks, puppets, and dance dramas reflect many unresolved societal tensions along with veiled wishes for divine justice.

This is a state-by-state guide for collectors and general folk art enthusiasts to learn about the types of masked dances still carried out in Mexico's Indian and mestizo communities today. Close to one hundred color photographs of authenticated masks from the collection of the Museum of International Folk Art are presented, including finely carved pieces from the nineteenth century to simple face coverings made in the past ten years. The masked ceremonies are brought to life with documentary photographs showing masqueraders acting out their roles. --Amazon.

Explores masks as integral aspects both of costumes and ceremonial performance across Mexico's widely diverse cultural borders. Covers origins and uses. A thorough, scholarly monograph that the lay reader will find easily accessible. Some 275 photos (11 in color). 9x12" The catalog of an exhibition of the Museum of International Folk Art (N.M.). Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Theatrum Mundi ("the theatre of the world") describes the diversity of masks and performances that originated from the violent struggles between European, Arabic and "New World" civilizations. This authoritative study celebrates over 500 years of Mexican and South American Indigenous dance dramas and explains how mask makers, religious practitioners, masqueraders and entrepreneurs have helped to continuously reinvent, revitalize and express the changing world around them. The culmination of four decades of research by Dr. Anthony Shelton, professor of art history and director of the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia, the text is illustrated by field photographs and images from MOA and other notable mask collections

Where the paleta wagon rings its tinkly bell and carries a treasure of icy paletas in every color of the sarape . . . As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer's day--there's so much to do with a paleta.

A collection of masks from around the world, representing nearly every continent and organized by country of origin and by tribal group. Includes photographs of the masks with concise captions containing information on origin, size, and materials.

Explores "a world in which cataclysmic events have left the Autarchy of Aygrima--the one land blessed with magical resources--cut off from its former trading partners across the waters, not knowing if any of those distant peoples still live. Yet under the rule of the Autarch, Aygrima survives. And thanks to the creation of the Masks and the vigilance of the Autarch's Watchers, no one can threaten the security of the empire"--Dust jacket flap.

Presenting more than 100 traditional, colorful puppets and masks used in Malian puppet theater, this book documents a collection that has been widely exhibited. One of the largest published surveys of Malian Bamana and Bozo puppet theater, it includes numerous pictures of puppets and masks in performance as well as detailed information on their size and construction. The text offers a historical overview of puppetry, focused on Africa, and a description of the cultural tradition that gave rise to and sustains Malian Sogo B puppet theatre, a community-based, multi-media spectacle. This is an excellent reference for anyone interested in puppetry, performance theater, masquerade, African music and dance, and African sculpture.