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Old Red Maximón Head
$1900

Old Red Maximón Head
Cerrar
Product

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  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head
  • Old Red Maximón Head

"San Simon" or "Maximón" mask that also be represents "Judas Iscariot". Judas has been sent back to Earth to perform good acts and wash away his sins. On Good Saturday, a puppet representing Judas Iscariot is sited on the entrance of local churches, begging for offerings for the Cofradia or Religious Brotherhood. At three o\'clock he will be hanged at the church\'s atrium and during the night his body will be burned. People from all social status visit the main "Maximón" Temples in the country; San Andres Itzapa (near Antigua), San Andres Xecul (near Totonicapan) and Santiago (at Atitlan Lake) especially during October 28th, the Day of Maximón and St. Judas. Depending of the candle\'s colours, believers will pray for help on good or evil acts. Beer, "Octavos" (1/8 of a liter of liquor), cigars, food and specific plants are required to prepare a "Limpia" or cleansing to get rid of bad luck and evil spirits. This piece is not exactly a mask, but a head for a puppet. Two marble-made eyes and delicate painted hair, eyebrows, sideburns, moustaches and beard add a vivid look to the head. The piece is highlighted by rare silver and gold painted teeth made of old cans; a sign of wealth, the Mayas used to have Jade decorations in the teeth, nowadays gold and silver are the fashion as a social statement. Believers will present him cigars and liquor as Maximón is known to like to drink and smoke a lot. Please notice that the price includes FREE USPS Shipping.

Map
Age: Approximately carved in the 1940’s.
Ethnic Group: K\'iché
Origin: Samayac, Suchitepequez
Materials: Wood
Use: Mask for a Maximón Puppet
Technique: Hand carved
Size: Approximately 16” x 6” x 6”
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