The Embassy of Mexico presents the "Masks of Mexico" exhibition, which showcases 47 traditional masks made between 1959 and 1990 by the anthropologist Jaled Muyaes and professor Estela Ogazon.
Throughout decades, the two compiled more than 3,000 masks belonging to various ethnic groups from all over Mexico, which were originally used in folk dances and traditional celebrations.
The objects have been used in Mexico for more than 5,000 years for rituals, festivities and power-related purposes. With the arrival of Europeans and Christianity in the 16th century, masks were then used for educating and introducing the new belief.
Masks are still used as part of the traditions of many different festivities of small towns throughout Mexico.
The ones on display are made from animal parts such as teeth and hair, as well as from more conventional materials such as wood, leather, polychrome, metal, clay and paper.
The Muyaes-Ogazon Masks Collection started its Asian tour last year and has been shown in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines and Taiwan.
