The art of making masks has been everywhere in the world. A marvellous instrument, the mask hides the wearer while at the same time it acquires life and becomes a God, a deity, an animal or maybe a king. Whether it is carved wood, ceramic, metal, fabric or plastic, it becomes a passport to a different world or time.
The India International Centre, in association with the Embassy of Mexico in India, will open a unique exhibition featuring ‘Masks of Mexico’ from July 19 onwards in the national Capital. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Ambassador Melba Pria, Ambassador of Mexico to India.
Mexico and Asia, two incredibly diverse regions, share some of the richest mask traditions. Since remote times, humankind has found expression through music and dance. In Mexico, indigenous cultures have flourished and survived through expressions of popular art and masks are a fundamental element of this magical cultural manifestation.
The rich, millenary Mesoamerican mask tradition survived the Spanish conquest and for almost 500 years Mexican masks tightly intertwined with European theatre and musical traditions, and turned into instruments to expand the new Christian Faith.
Thanks to syncretism, many indigenous traditions found refuge in masks, and this ancient heritage sometimes appears in the most unexpected places always working as a liberating instrument, perhaps even transforming the wearer into a superhero.
Masks and dances in Mexico are a part of dance drama performed during various occasions like Carnival, Easter, The Day of the Dead, Christman and Patron saints celebrations. This theatre performance incorporates elements like costume and masks, music, acting, various characters and choreography.
The ‘Masks of Mexico’ exhibition will feature 33 masks of different materials such as lacquered wood carving and polychrome clay.