1940s Diablo Mexican Mask Mold - 11.5" H X 9" W X 7" D

Mexican Diablo (Devil) mask mold (rigid form) - traditionally carved or cast from cement, volcanic rock, or clay, used as a structural base to press, layer, and shape papier-mache or leather into ceremonial devil masks. Diablo masks from Celaya, Guanajuayo are highly prized, historical artifacts, deeply tied to Mexico's traditional folk art. They are traditionally hand-sculpted out of heavy sunbaked clay or plaster. The back of the mold has a large center hole; there is a thin grey material horizontally placed across the back of the mold; the calcification is noted as well as the horns, long chin, protruding nose, ears and overall menacing appearance. The mold has the appearance of a clay mold - the artist is unknown and not recorded. It is very rare to find a diablo mask mold; they are in museums and very specialized auctions. Artisans press wet paper strips, paste or leather over the positive or negative mold to capture the distinct features of a diablo. These molds and the resulting masks typically feature exaggerated, menacing characteristics such as protruding horns, fangs, a beaked or hooked nose, and a fierce expression. The diablo masks are worn during folkloric dance dramas and festivals across Mexico. It is not known if this diablo mask mold held leather, wood, or papier-mache. The most historically, authentic molds are made of unglazed, low-fired clay. True ancestral workshops in Celaya guard original mid-century or late 19th century clay molds like family treasures. Authentic Mexican clay molds were made in various other human forms beside the diablo mask mold. Place of Origin: Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico Date of Manufacture: 1940s Condition: Very Good (considering age, use and scarcity) Wear: Broken ear. Please refer to pictures. Dimensions: 11.5 in. H X 9 in. W X 7 in. D Provenance: This amazing piece of Mexican folk art has been part of the private collection of Dean Warner since he purchased it in-person on-location during the 1950s. Mr. Warner (1931-2025) was a graduate of both Mexico City College and Thunderbird and a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian & Tribal Artifacts. He had galleries in Dallas, Texas and La Jolla, California, a client base that included private individuals and institutions, and served as an authority for authentication. In addition, events during the 1960s and 1970s were held to showcase his Pre-Columbian collection across the United States in retail establishments like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Shillito's and Higbee's among others. In retirement, Mr. Warner (T-Bird '57) continued to be an avid collector and served both as the Art Curator for the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University) and the Creator/Director of the The Global Market for ethnographic art and gifts which was founded in 1994. Many of the items he collected are now part of the permanent collection of the university. Reference: Museum of International Folk Art, Mexican Mask Molds Mexican Masks, Past and Present: Researched by Emily McClain and Joshua Burd, Missouri State University Rafael Coronel Museum in Zacatecas Mexico Mesoamerican Mask Collection at San Diego State University Explore more Mexican Pottery at Our Taste Design.