Product Description
Handpainted Tray with Traditional Andean Dance Festival, Vintage Tigua Folk Art 15.5"x11.5"x2.5"
Signed by Artist Jose Ugsha Vega
The Diablada de Píllaro is a six-day festival celebrated in the Ecuadorian province of Tungurahua from January 1st to January 6th to welcome the new year. The celebration includes music, dancing on the street, processions and performances by traditional masked characters. The most noticeable of these characters are the diablos (devils), who wear masks made of papier mâché, animal horns, animal fangs and an assortment of decorations. Bailarines de línea (line dancers) are recognized by their metal mesh masks which depict fine, delicate features such as light skin, ruby lips and blue eyes meant to personify Europeans landowners. Another important character is the guaricha, a female character that traditionally was performed only by men. Andean dramas with actors dressed in masks are occasions to act out historically inscribed ethnic and gender relations as well as opportunities to reinterpret social roles and ponder stereotypes.
