Deer dance, Guatemala

7 inches, painted wood

It probably is a strange version of a monkey, but it could be a skunk or some other critter. The glass eyes have been lost. Signs of use.

The deer dance is common in most parts of Guatemala. Though it has been Christianized to various degrees, it derives from an ancient Mayan hunting ceremony. The cast of characters includes an old man, 4 hunters, 2 dogs, 4 deer, a tiger, a lion, and 2 monkeys. Guatemalan animal masks are always stylized, though I have never seen one quite like this.

$190