Moth Taxidermy full body mount - Farfalla - 60 cm - 40 cm - 20 cm - 1

Large Mexican Mariposa mask – Guerrero – Carved and polychrome wood – 20th century

Fascinating and scenographic Mexican zoomorphic mask depicting a Mariposa (butterfly), traceable to the tradition of popular masks from the state of Guerrero, Mexico.

The work is made of wood, entirely carved and hand-painted. The composition is particularly elaborate: a heavily stylized human face occupies the central part and is integrated into the body of the insect, characterized by large wings, legs and numerous curved appendages.

The polychromy is striking, in ochre, cream, black and blue tones, as well as the geometric decorations painted on the wings. The craftsmanship of the back also allows a clear observation of the manual carving, the wooden structure and the construction of the different parts.

The subject of the anthropomorphic butterfly finds resonance in the Mexican Mariposa mask tradition, especially documented in the Guerrero area.

The object shows a strong patina and numerous signs of time, emphasizing its character: wear and losses of the polychromy, abrasions, cracks, small missing parts, irregular wood and holes attributable to old woodworm activity. The state of conservation is extensively documented by photographs.

In the purchase there will be two pieces for restoration.
(Struttura da rinforzare)

Provenance: Mexico
Cultural area: Guerrero
Subject: Mariposa / anthropomorphic butterfly
Material: carved and polychrome wood
Technique: hand-carving and painting
Period: 20th century
Condition: fair, with evident signs of wear, patina and losses due to time.

A visually striking object, particularly interesting for collectors of masks, Mexican folk art, ethnographic art and ritual and decorative objects from Latin America.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and show in detail the conservation status of the work.