Mexican masks

Clown Mask, Veracruz

This payaso from Naolinco is of a 19th century European "auguste" style, but jesters and clowns have existed in the pre-Hispanic Americas and most parts of the world since ancient times. With enhanced freedoms of expression and relative immunity from reprisals, the clown can be a de facto spokesperson for the collective conscience, using parody and acerbic humor to ridicule authority or even shame the benefactors they serve. Their function is thus more profound than merely causing us to laugh...

My daddy-o found this nice little collection of Mexican masks to explore. Something about the eyes on some of these, though, makes my hair stand a bit on end, but they're really very cool. Check out more of 'em here.

Hey, I think I sense another theme coming on...