Object Details
Description
The vejigante is a demon figure from medieval Spanish folklore that has become a staple of Puerto Rican Carnival culture. During Carnival festivals, the vejigante dress in a horned mask called a careta, and flowing costume to join the crowds in singing and dancing. The careta masks are a cultural symbol of Puerto Rico. The masks are typically made in the cities of Ponce and Loiza for use in carnival celebrations and purchased as home decoration by tourists.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Teodoro Vidal
ID Number
1997.0097.0019
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0019
Object Name
Mask
Physical Description
papier mache; paint; metal; copper; rubber/elastic (overall material)
handmade (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 39.9 cm x 44.6 cm x 21.2 cm; 15 11/16 in x 17 9/16 in x 8 3/8 in
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Ethnic
Many Voices, One Nation
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Latino
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_600893