olmec masks

As the sun assumes the body of a condor, it sheds light on a collection of Inca glyphs. Transformed into a mask, the image is one of spiritual mystery. Alberto Aparicio Canchari handcrafts this mask from ceramic, which he then fires in a wood-powered kiln. Once the mask has cooled, Aparicio paints the geometric stylizations that are unique to the Inca.

With eyes closed, a man seems to sleep peacefully. Oscar Rodolfo Mendoza works in ceramic to create a replica of the funeral masks used by the ancient Maya. Hieroglyphs painted by hand tell the story of the fallen personage, usually with numbers to indicate dates. Modern artisans utilize the same materials and techniques as in pre-Hispanic times, achieving the red, yellow and orange colors from annatto seeds.

A cat headdress pays tribute to Chaak Balam, the "Grand Jaguar" of the ancient Maya pantheon and a symbol of power. By Oscar Rodolfo Mendoza, this dramatic mask depicts an ancient Maya of noble standing, perhaps a priest or king. Modern artisans utilize the same materials and techniques as in pre-Hispanic times, achieving the red, yellow and orange colors from annatto seeds.

A mask built of layers seem to break open, revealing a living youth within. The wrinkled visage of an aged man frames him, and the outermost mask represent the dead. Working in ceramic, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an enigmatic replica. The original piece is thought to belong to the Teotihuacan culture and is displayed in the Museum of San Ildefonso in Mexico City.

Similar to the legendary Olmeca head, this blue mask celebrates Mexico's unique flora and fauna. Eufrosia Pantaleon paints elegant peacocks on the cheeks and head while flowers blossom on the nose of this ceramic wall mask.

"Proud of my Mexican roots, I designed this series of 10 coloring postcards featuring the masks of fantastical animals and other creatures. They are inspired by the many clay, paper and wood masks found throughout Mexican artistry," explains Alejandra Aceves. She includes 10 original and different coloring masks inspired by Mexico's millenary cultures including those of Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, and Huichol origin, as well as others from traditional feasts, such as Day of the Dead skulls.

The set of 10 postcards arrives in an acrylic box with information about Aceves' project. Inspired by the illness she lives with, she realized that the symptoms diminished when she concentrated on drawing. Her wish is for others to enjoy being able to relax while coloring her postcards.