Williams Gallery West Collectibles - The John Lenk Collection - Other Masks - Tarahumara / Raramuri Indian Copper Canyon

The John Lenk Collection - Other Masks
Tarahumara / Raramuri Wooden Mask with White Fur Beard collected in Copper Canyon area circa 1965 Copper Canyon, Chihuahua Mexico – Primitive male mask with applied fur for beard, mustache, brows, and sideburns. Roughly carved unfinished blonde wood with open mouth, peg teeth, and fearsome expression reminiscent of a Yeti or Bigfoot. Beard is white fur, possibly goat skin. Brown hair used in other areas is softer, possibly coyote or dog. Fur is still attached to tanned hide, and is delicate from age. Lots of character.
dimensions - 15 1/2" high x 9 1/2" wide x 6" deep	Good overall condition - Skins are intact, but hair pulls away if tugged. Indentation at top of head is a knot in the wood, not a crack or other damage. Mask is dusty from long display, and needs cleaning. Two hooks have been applied to the back for hanging. SOLD
The Tarahumara or Rarámuri, as they call themselves, are one of the largest indigenous groups in Mexico today, with a population 50 to 70 thousand inhabiting the Sierra Tarahumara in northwest Mexico. The group remained largely isolated from outside influences until mineral wealth was discovered in the area, forcing the Tarahumara to seek refuge in remote canyons. Retaining many of their traditional ways, the Tarahumara live in caves, rock shelters, and small cabins in remote areas. Their culture and their spiritual beliefs combine pre-Hispanic traditions with Catholic Christian beliefs. They produce a rich variety of handicrafts that include ceramics, textiles, drums, and other wooden items, and are known as expert runners with incredible stamina. The name "Rarámuri" translates as "runners" in their native language. Rarámuri runners have surprised many by running in their hirachis and winning contemporary long distance races.
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