Devil Mask

About this object

History of use

Supay mask. Masked devil impersonators are common in dances across Mexico and the Andes. In the Bolivian tin mining town of Oruro, a male and female devil, Tio (or Supay) and Tia, are believed to control the earth’s buried riches and they are placated and given offerings to ensure the miners’ safety and success. During carnival, masked devil dancers invade Oruro until the town’s protectress, the Virgin of Socován, banishes them back to their underground home.

Physical description

Devil mask (part a) with fanciful face in red ceramic, spikes and protrusions over nose and forehead, large serrated ears, twisting horns (parts b and c), and a double dragon headpiece on top. Eyes are of bulbous glass and glass beads adorn protruding spikes. Horns fit onto wooden pegs protruding from the head. (Part d consists of the pieces of the left broken eye.)