Chonguinada Masks

The masks originate in the Peruvian Andes and are worn during Chonguinada, a celebration dance which satirises Spanish colonists. Male and female masks are made from fine wire mesh, they are hand painted and have hair embroidered on (including moustaches!). The celebration immitates the music and dancing of the colonists and the masks represent their European faces with paler skin and blue or green eyes.