They attract the spirit and tradition of Olinalá to Mexico City

These pieces are distinguished by the use of ancestral techniques of lined y brush that are transmitted from one generation to another and are the center of the exhibition Guerrero mascalers and mask: from the traditional to the fantasticshown in the National Museum of Popular Cultures (MNCP) in Coyoacán.

The masks are used in rituals, since they represent a living bond with the spirituality and traditions of the region: It is not just a decorative piece, it is part of our history and our identitythe artisan Josefa García commented during the conversation Olinalá mask, Guerrerospace for reflection and dialogue on the artisanal wealth of the region, which was carried out within the framework of the XXXI Tamal Fair, in the MNCP.

The talk was part of the exhibition activities Guerrero mask and mascarsin which the creator Leonides García and the curator of the exhibition also participated, José Luis Correa, who addressed aspects of the history and meaning of these pieces, from their origin in traditional rituals and dances to their evolution towards pieces of contemporary art .

Correa stressed the importance of revealing the creative process of artisans beyond the final object: It is essential to know the reality of the creators and the challenges they face to preserve their techniques. It is urgent to grant merit to those who with their creativity and trade keep these traditions alive.

Leonides García, a third generation mask with 76 years of age, has won several competitions in Chiapas and Guerrero for the quality of his work. He explained that the elaboration of a mask can take up to one year due to the complex carving, drying, traditional and traditional Olinalá processes.

Josefa García explained that the main raw material of the crafts is the Lináloe tree, whose value has become more expensive, which hinders access to this resource: A tree can cost up to 600 pesos and its preparation may take months before being able to be used for the size of masks. In addition, explained the thorough elaboration process that includes the use of natural tools such as guajolote feathers and deer tail brushes to achieve great detail finishes.

He also mentioned that other materials, such as pork fangs used for decoration, can cost up to one thousand pesos and require artisans to move several hours to acquire them.

The sample Guerrero mascalers and mask: from the traditional to the fantasticwhich celebrates the mastery of these specialized artisans consists with a total of 200 pieces in which the opportunity to learn more about the cultural wealth of the state of Guerrero is offered.

The exhibition will be open to the public until March 25 in the Cristina Payán room of the National Museum of Popular Cultures (Av. Hidalgo 289, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City).