Mexican Folk Art Masks

“Over the ages, masks have been used as a form of disguise in almost all culture areas of the world. They allow the wearer to become someone other than himself, whether it is for defense, religious purposes, to play a role in a pageant, mock others, or simply to have fun. In a community festival context, masquerade can serve a variety of functions, ranging from trying to understand and control nature and the supernatural, teaching topics such as history or proper behavior, addressing specific problems within the group, or releasing one’s own inner tension. This tradition is particularly rich in Mexico, where masked festivals have played an important part in the religious, social and recreational lives of the people since pre-Hispanic times.”
Barbara Mauldin, Masks of Mexico