Mask Item Number: 2655/49 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Santiaguero mask. A carved mask with a white face decorated with five red partial circles along the edge and one around the chin. The eyebrows are raised and cut out with vertical black lines. The eyes are black. There is a raised moustache with vertical black lines, and the small mouth is carved out.
Santiaguero mask from the Dance of Tocotines. It recounts the appeal of Motecuhzoma to Cortez and Malinche for peace, the struggles and triumph of the Spaniards, and the eventual union of the two races. Performed on the day of Santa Maria Magdalena, July 22, and other saint's days. Only Cortez, the santiagueros and the clowns are masked.