Artwork
El Catrín mask
Artist
Unknown
DepartmentLatin American Art
Datec. 1960
Dimensionsh. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
w. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm)
d. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
w. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm)
d. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with the Folk Art Acquisition Fund
Object number86.86.10
GeographyPlace madeTlaxclala, Mexico
DescriptionA mask made to look like a smiling white man with blue eyes, a mustache, and two gold-capped teeth.Label TextThe catrines, also known as huehues or enmascarados, are characters featured in Tlaxcalan Carnival festivities that represent urban dandies. Along with their masks, the catrines dress in elegant suits with top hats, gloves, and often carry umbrellas. The origin story of the catrines is disputed, but the clothing and accessories that they presently wear is meant to parody wealthy landowners who would subjugate farm laborers.
Los huehues, también conocidos como catrines o enmascarados, son personajes destacados en las festividades del Carnaval de Tlaxcala. Los bailarines que personifican a los huehues se visten de traje, con sombrero de copa, guantes y, a veces, con paraguas. La historia del origen de los huehues está en disputa, pero la ropa y los accesorios que ahora usan estaban destinados a parodiar a los patrones españoles y criollos que subyugaban a los campesinos.
(LA, 2022)Exhibition HistoryReading Public Museum, Reading Pennsylvania, April 14 - July 15, 2007On view
Collections
ca. 1930
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
