Stunning \"REY MORO\" The Lizard King Mexican Dance Folk Art Mask Museum Piece For Sale

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Stunning \"REY MORO\" The Lizard King Mexican Dance Folk Art Mask Museum Piece:
$1500.00

Description:

REY MORO: Moorish King Mexican Wooden Dance Mask (The Lizard King)

This is one of the most extraordinary and unique pieces in our entire collection. No

matter how many words I use to describe this remarkable work of art, it won’t be

enough to convey its true beauty and exquisite detail — its sheer impact on anyone

who crosses its path. I have many works of art in my house which I have collected for

decades. REY MORO stands alone as the one object no one has simply walked past.

It’s size alone demands a second look. And upon taking that second look, you are held

captive. It is not simply a keepsake or a piece of art, it is a collectable that should be

preserved, protected and cherished as it has been for the 30 years I have owned it —

and no doubt by the previous owner, judging by its pristine condition.

“REY MORO” literally “Moorish King,” is a hand-carved, wooden mask, painted in

vibrant oil-based paint. Moorish King masks has been used in Mexican dance

ceremonies for centuries — dance ceremonies that are still performed to this day. This

mask is not simply a decorative wall piece, it is a collectable. You will not find this

Moorish King mask — or even one remotely similar — anywhere. It is truly an only

child.

The History:

Moorish Masks are a product of a ritual carried out centuries ago throughout Latin

America. Elaborate dances, known as “Moros y Cristianos” (“Moors and Christians”)

re-enacted the conquest of the region by the Spaniards. The Moorish King, depicted

as dark and swarthy with menacing eyes, battles the Christian adversary. Mainly

performed by indigenous people who participated in the dance and wore the masks,

there is some controversy surrounding the actual message of the dance.

According to some historians: “The dance arose from the teachings of missionaries as

part of an effort to instill respect for and fear of the Spaniards in the indigenous

peoples, and to convince them that the victory of Christianity over other faiths—by

violence whenever necessary—was inevitable.”

However, some academics claim that “the ritual re-enacts the conquest of the

Spaniards in the region and the defeat of the indigenous populations. However, there is

compelling evidence that the ritual--and the masks--actually mock the Spanish. The

masks always include the characters of the Moorish King and the Christian (or

Spaniard). The “villain” — the Moorish King — was depicted as dark-skinned with a

reddish nose (denoting anger) and an elaborate crown, while the Christians were light

or pink-skinned. However the most striking features were either multicolored crowns

or the turbans. The Moorish King is a central character in the dance who sets his

troops against the Spaniards but is ultimately left in defeat. While some may assume

that the battles were inspired by religious beliefs, in actuality they were driven by

territorial skirmishes.

The Mask Itself:

Often referred to as simply a “Moro”, this Moorish Mask is of an extraordinary

craftsmanship; a masterpiece example of the historic dance masks.

The Crown:

A multi-tiered crown is the defining “crown jewel”

of the mask. The sheer multitude of hues present in the crowns are something to behold… perhaps some of the most intense use of color on the mask appears here, though - I must say that it is in particular the eyes that command — demand! —

attention...

The Eyes:

The EYES! Made of glass and startlingly real, the bright whites of the eyes contrast to

the dark irises set deep in the eye sockets. Lined with black painted lashes and a “slit”

— a literal half-moon carved into the wood beneath the eye — the eyes rest under an

impressive and foreboding heavy brow. (As an aside, the heavy brows, elaborate

mustache and beard, carved and painted in great detail, are a characteristic often found in the

Moorish Mask). And, although the “under eye slits” contribute to the overall striking

appearance of the eyes, they were actually constructed so that the wearer of the mask

could SEE!

The irises contain an ink-black pupil and the delicate “lines” often seen in the human

iris. Again, an attention to detail not often seen in masks of this type.

The Nose:

The nose almost rivals the eyes for attention. A deeper and ruddier red than the rest of

the face (denoting, as I mentioned earlier, anger) the nose is powerful, large and

extremely masculine. The two lines at its side suggest a man who has seen many

battles, and will live to see more.

The Lips:

Painted in the same vibrant cadmium red used at the base of the crown, the down-

turned full lips spread nearly across the span of the face, forming a central focal point

between the beard and the mustache. The mouth is expressive, one could easily

imagine that mouth turned into the frequent sneer of a warrior king.

The Colors:

Although historically the Moorish King Mexican Mask is known for its vibrant colors,

this mask’s colors are a “Moorish King on steroids.” They are BOLD, BRIGHT,

THICKLY APPLIED and simply captivating. Red, Gold, Dark Green, Bright Blue, Amber,

Yellow, Bright White all bursting through a heavy black definition outline are simply

remarkable.

The Carving:

Look at the photographs. While the beard, eyebrows and mustache are features

on all Moorish Masks, the beautifully and painstakingly detailed carving of this mask is

unparalleled. Run your hand over it and it involuntarily follows the dips and waves of

the luxurious contour. It’s frankly hard not to touch it. I discovered this after taking it

down after so many years. I had enjoyed viewing for so long, but had never

experienced the pleasure of actually regularly touching it. I found myself going back to

it as it recently lay on the center of the large oak table in my office. It’s addictive!

The Wood:

Although I am not enough of a historian to know what exact wood this mask is made

of, it is extremely light. (Which would make sense because if it were to be worn, a mask

this size would be unsupportable on a human frame it it were made of a heavy oak!)

Most dance masks were made of many types of wood — quimite, (very light and soft)

palo santo, avocado, lele, jonote and, on occasion white cedar. The softness of these

woods make carving easier, thus enabling the delicate details. Chisels, mallets and

gouges were mostly used to hollow out the back of the masks and form the face.

Sometimes molds were made with paper before construction of the wooden mask

itself.

The Size:

For a mask, I would describe it as...enormous. It measures 24.5” long by about 14” wide (widest point) Surprisingly, given these measurements, it weighs only a mere 4.6 POUNDS! (Which will make shipping an item of this size MUCH less daunting!)

Original Acquisition:

I purchased this piece at the famous Folk Art International shop in Ghirardelli Square in

San Francisco in the early 1990s. Folk Art International is - the - leading and most well

respected genuine folk art acquisitions organization in the world. Folk Art International

still exists today - and is known for their showcasing of museum quality pieces from

around the globe. I lucked out - as these days, Folk Art International operates as a true

museum. Meaning, you cannot purchase the pieces on display - but rather can only

purchase small replicas and branded gear from their souvenir shop. Truth be told? I

understand this transition. So exquisite are these masterpieces of folk art, that selling

to a private collector (such as myself) robs the masses from ever having the chance to

view such extraordinary examples of the best of art from cultures and peoples you’ve

likely never heard of. In addition to the “Lizard King” you see here, and the “Moorish King” on my profile, I actually bought a six-feet long carved wooden full-body Mexican “Merman Mask” — the kind worn on the shoulders during a ceremonial dance. It is extraordinary. It’s “Poseidon with Mermaid body.” (Sorry, that one’s not for sale — It hangs still above my fireplace!)

I bought the Moorish Lizard King and it’s mate (which too appears on my active listings page)and several pieces of handmade silver jewelry which I cherish to this day.

In conclusion, while I cannot attest to the age of this mask (other than to say I wasn’t

the first owner and I’ve owned it for 30 years) or to its creator (I would hug him if I met

him) I can tell you that I am very sorry to part with it. But there comes a time when

“downsizing” your life includes parting with material things you’ve loved for many years

— they become like old friends who need to be set free to make new friends.

Upon considering that the room in which this mask was hanging is so little trafficked, I

decided it’s time to let it shine in another home where it will get the attention it

deserves. It is, quite simply, exquisite.

NOTE: This was quite the expensive acquisition - and keep in mind we are talking

about a purchase made about 30 years ago... this is a VERY valuable piece - especially in 2022... up for grabs (again, most masks as such are these days housed in a Museum) at a - very - fair price... my business partner disagrees with my price point VEHEMENTLY. All I’ve heard since we decided to list is “We paid more back THEN! And this is something you CANNOT FIND!” - true - but, in my old age - I take more into account than money... put simply, it is more important to me that this piece finds the - right - person.. the -right - new home, than making a good profit on what was a fabulous (lucky) investment.

Stunning "REY MORO" The Lizard King Mexican Dance Folk Art Mask Museum Piece

$1500.00

Stunning "REY MORO" The Moorish King Mexican Dance Folk Art Mask Museum Piece

$1500.00

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