Puerto Rican black and white Vejigante Mask 2010.01.004

Puerto Rican Vejigante Mask, collected during the carnival celebrations in the city of Ponce, PR. According to folklore, vejigantes represent the Moors of medieval Spain who were defeated by the Spanish in a battle in AD 844. The battle was led by Saint James, today’s patron saint of Spain. To honor the saint, the people dressed as demons during festivals and this custom eventually developed into the Puerto Rican folk demon seen today. It is made from paper mache with 5 horns and painted black and white with black and white dots. Made by Robert Castillo for the carnival at Ponce barrio la Playa held around the 1st of February. It is a very dramatic mask and is in excellent condition. H 17 ½ W 18” D 12 ½ 2 lbs