Moth Taxidermy wall mount - Farfalla - 60 cm - 40 cm - 20 cm - 1

Mexico, state of Guerrero.

Grand Mexican mask Mariposa – Guerrero –
Wood carved and polychrome –
20th century

Fascinating and scenographic Mexican animal mask depicting a Mariposa (butterfly), attributable 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.

Of notable effect is the polychromy, in ochre, cream, black and blue tones, as well as the geometric decorations painted on the wings. The back’s workmanship 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 tradition of Mexican Mariposa masks, particularly documented in the Guerrero area.

The object presents a strong patina and numerous signs of time, underscoring its character: wear and losses of the polychromy, abrasions, fissures, small missing parts, irregular wood and holes attributable to old wood-boring activity. The state of conservation is extensively documented by photographs.
Two pieces will be included with the purchase for restoration.
(Structure to be reinforced)

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

An object of great visual impact, particularly interesting for mask collectors, 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 condition of the work.