Xantolo Mask

Atlapexco, Hidalgo

6.75 inches, wood

Xantolo means All Saints Day or Day of the Dead. In addition to the skull masks, masks depicting humans and other animals are frequently used. The dance traditionally has two paralletl lines of dancers, all males wearing male masks, plus one male wearing a female mask, and one dance leader. In many places there are dances of this form that are called Matachines. The Xantolos dance to vigorous tunes played on the guitar and fiddle. The singers frequently use falsetto voices. These songs are called Sones Huastecos.

The teeth are little chips of broken pottery. Used but in very good condition.