Brunka Masks & Mask Arts - Galeria Namu

Ecological Mask Arts - Toucan and Toucanet Study

Code: IEMA008 21" tall x 9 ¾”wide (53.5 x 25 cms) In the Brunka tribe's mask arts (contemporary expression), it provides the mask maker free rein to explore his artform outside of the more traditional format seen in the typical, traditional 'diablito' mask used in their venerable 'danza de los diablitos'. The so-called 'ecological' mask type - the form of which is somewhat reminiscent of a face mask to be worn - usually features studies of certain flora and fauna from Brunka territory, sometimes ancestral motifs and objects, such as petroglyphs, or gold accoutrements of the elite, are included in the composition. Artist: Roy Lazaro

Ecological Mask Arts = 'Onca Pantera' Homage

Code: IEMA007 18" tall x 9 ¾” wide (46 x 25 cms) A striking homage to 'onca pantera' - the scientific name for the spotted jaguar/black panther. These two feline types are the exact same species - the black panther possessing a genetic mutation giving it black fur. In Brunka cosmology and myth, this, the mightiest of wild cats, are the punishers of those who break tribal taboo in Brunka tradition. A central symbol of the sun on the mask's forehead symbolizes the spotted jaguar being represented by our astro (while the black panther symbolizes nighttime, the nocturnal realm). Artist: Hermes Morales

Eco-diablo Mask - Wild Boar Transformation

Code: IEDM006 Size: 18" tall/9 ¾”wide (46 x 25 cms) Carved and painted balsa wood mask, signed by the mask maker, Alberto Leiva of Boruca village. This mask type is a transformation, or 'alter-ego' mask. In the shamanic world-view, a shaman, or warrior, would have their own nagual popularly known as totem animal. In this case, the traditional Brunka tribal mask used in ceremony, known as the 'diablitos', are in fact representations of the Brunka people themselves (both in the past and in the present) in their centuries-old conflict with 'sikua' (non-aboriginal peoples) society and pressures - dedicated to territorial protection and the defense of their traditional lifeways.

'Xaman' - El Toro

Code: ITOR001 Size: 23" x 26" (59 x 68 cms) 'Xaman' (el toro) personage is a key figure in the 'danza/juego de los diablitos' celebrated by the Brunka tribal community annually, since early colonial times. This important 3 day tribal cultural event takes place in their respective villages of Boruca and Rey Curre in southern Costa Rica. This single and imposing character in this indigenous cultural tradition represents - incarnated in the 'xaman'-bull - an antagonist figure. He is the motif of the invading , rapacious colonizer from across the ocean who does battle with waves of 'kagbru rojk' (the "diablitos") who represent the defending and resistant ancestors of the Brunka people - chieftains, warriors, shamans and mystical entities all do battle against the disruptive 'sikua' (foreigner) in the figure of 'xaman'(the bull) This is a faithful reproduction, at scale (with real horns), of the actual toro/bull mask of Boruca used in ceremony (the actual worn mask is never for sale, as opposed to the used 'diablitos' masks - some of which Namu can acquire).