This is a really striking Large Handmade Wood Tiger / Jaguar Mask. This piece is hand carved and hand painted from Olinalá  in Guerrero Mexico.  The mask is made of a hand carved lightweight wood with a gesso like coating applied to the surface and then the colored enamel pigments are hand painted giving it a high gloss finish... The Tongue is made of leather and painted Red and the whiskers are made from Boar's bristles.  I purchased several of these masks and Jaguar / Tiger figures recently, (see photo #5) or take a look at my Ebay Store for a larger selection..... 

It measures;  11 inches tall by 14 1/2 inches wide and 6 inches deep.  (not including the whiskers.)

Tiger related crafts are found all over Guerrero as this state has deep rooted traditions tied to Tigers and Jaguars.....

Every August 15 the streets of Chilapa are inundated with tigers as part of theTigrada parade, in which the townspeople, along with surrounding communities, celebrate age old traditions and honor of the Virgin of the Assumption, venerated in the city's cathedral. 

This carnival of cats has deep roots associated with Mesoamerican mythology and rituals designed to invoke Tepeyollotl, the Jaguar God and protector of the mountains, to ensure fertile earth and abundance of rainfall.

The celebration begins with a religious ceremony in the cathedral of Chilapa and continues with a procession of hundreds of men, women and children dressed in tiger costumes, wearing wooden masks, accompanied by rousing brass band music. 

This fierce guy would make a great addition to your Mexican Folk Art Collection, or a lovely gift for a friend.. 

Please check out my Ebay Shop for more wonderful pieces of  Mexican Folk Art, hand made clothing and Jewelry.  VIVA MEXICO!!!