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Latin and
Caribbean Art:
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Sprits by K. Melendez $290
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Vejigante Masks
The ‘vejigante’ is a make-believe
character, full of energy and color. The vejigante masks are a classical example of the
fusion of African, Spanish and Caribbean cultures in Puerto Rico. Masks are made
from paper mache, coconut shells, metal and gourd plant.
The technique of paper mache was probably
adopted from Asia; however, the Spaniards might have passed along the art of doing paper
mache with a hard cardboard (carton piedra). This technique is also utilized in Ecuador,
Mexico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. |
Each main Carnival in Puerto
Rico has its unique Vejigante character. For example, the Fiestas de Hatillo (a small town
in Puerto Rico) commemorate the death of the Innocent Saints. The masks for these parties
are made with nets of colored metal strings, representing or mocking Spanish
soldiers.
Round-eyed mocker, coconut
mask by Melendez. Click on
picture for details, $250
Item #V002-PR
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Elongated soldier, royal palm mask by
Melendez. Click on picture for details, Item#V003-PR, $250
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Green leopard paper mache mask
by Melendez. Click on picture for details.
Item #V001-PR
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In one of the most celebrated
Carnivals in Loiza, the masks are made from coconut shells, with bright colors and
carefully crafted horns. The idea is to have the good vejigantes get rid of the evil ones
through the native dance of bomba y plena. The Carnaval de Ponce (Ponce is a town in
the south of Puerto Rico) features a playful vejigante who likes to do tricks to the
Carnival attendees. Folk tunes, 'estribillos', follow the rhythms of the colorful
dance. Most masks from Ponce are made with paper mache. |
The Dragon: From the Carnivals of Puerto Rico and by a renowned mask-maker,
Kenneth Melendez, comes this exotic paper mache and 'carton piedra' (harder kind of paper
mache) Vejigante masks with hollow eyes, two sets of horns and a large, fiery mouth.
The top jagged horns extend one foot above the face, and together with the mouth full of
teeth, gives you the impression that the dragon is ready to attack. In reality the
dragon is friendly, a character inspired by the typical vejigantes roaming the crowds
during Lent Carnivals in Ponce. Its dark reddish/brown color is sparkled by multi-color
paint strokes, and a green and yellow polka-dot fringe adorns the mask as a clownish
element in contrast with the violent look of the face. This museum-quality mask was
exhibited at the Museum of Barranquitas, Cultural Institute and at the Ponce Carnival in
Puerto Rico. Please click on the picture for details.
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The Ogre by K. Menendez, SOLD!
The Dragon, by K. Menendez $700, SOLD!
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Additional masks follow. Since each individual item is unique, we must verify
availability of your order. Also, since each of these masks are hand-made,
minor variations within the picture shown and the actual item may exist. The concept
and color will be as shown. These masks and additional variations can also be
custom-ordered. Please click on the picture for details and ordering or refer to catalog
pages. Also we have a special Vejigante Masks exhibit from Fernando Luis Lopez Perez. Click here to see his work!! |
M1004-P $220 by M.Vega
Red Fumes by Vazquez, $220
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M1004-P $220 by M.Vega
Hope by Vazquez, $220
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M1001-PR Jagged Fire by Cucha
$275 |
The Snake by Cucha, $400 |
M-2002-PR Blue Explosion mask $290 |
Blue Mask by Cucha, $200 |
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