Vintage Santiaguito Body Mask Sierra Puebla (Comes with Stand)
Anonymous Artisan
Carved and painted wood
Ht.19.5" x W. 24" x D. 12.25"
The mountainous region known as the Sierra Puebla spans the States of Veracruz and parts of Puebla.
Dances depicting the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards are performed in many areas of Mexico, including the Sierra Puebla. When a dancer climbs inside this “body mask” and wears it around his waist, he becomes Saint James (Santiago) riding his famous white horse. Saint James famously assisted the Spanish to rid Spain of the Moors. He is the patron saint of Spain and of many Mexican towns and villages.