{"product_id":"purepecha-hermit-mask-19th-c-antique","title":"Máscara Anciano Sabio Purepecha \/ Purépecha Wise Elder Mask, Late 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eAuthentic Purepecha Pastorela hermit maask from the turn of the 19th century. The wise elder represents the spirit of the ancestors: the shepherds' counselor who holds the spiritual knowledge to warn them of the temptations and deceptions of Luzbel. As a character who lives isolated in the wilderness he breaks the community's social norms; during the dance the hermit plays pranks on the audience, scares children, and jokes irreverently. This behavior allowed Indigenous communities to channel social tensions through ritual humor within a Catholic festivity. In the Indigenous imagination, the length and volume of the beard are direct indicators of old age, dignity, and mystical knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece is sourced from Bazar de Lalo, our flagship partner in Cuernavaca, Mexico. For decades Cuernavaca has attracted artists, intellectuals, and collectors from around the world, creating a pocket of rich culture and artistry. Bazar de Lalo, the 10 year old creation of artist Lalo Lugo, taps into this depth: an immersive space where antiques, folk art, and rare crafts converge into a breathtaking catalogue. Their sourcing and experience ensure that every piece we list is authentic, and that your piece comes from the heart of Mexico, with a story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra: \u003c\/strong\u003eLate 19th Century (ca. 1800–1900)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eMeseta Purepecha\/Sierra Tarasca\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtisan: \u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003eCirimo Wood Carving\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (in): \u003c\/strong\u003e10.5 x 7.25 x 5.25\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShips from: \u003c\/strong\u003eCuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercado Mexicano","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47631451488446,"sku":"1-MAS-0034","price":975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0765\/2524\/0510\/files\/mercado-mexicano-extra-large-wood-beard-03.jpg?v=1781486333","url":"https:\/\/mercadomexicano.art\/products\/purepecha-hermit-mask-19th-c-antique","provider":"Mercado Mexicano","version":"1.0","type":"link"}