Miguel Xuana made this jaguar mask that fits in your hand. Its mouth is open in a fierce snarl, revealing sharp fangs, and its ears are laid back. Each part has its own pattern: scales on top, lines spreading out from the eyes, and tight circles on the muzzle. Instead of repeating one design, every detail stands out on its own.
The jaguar is important in Oaxaca's Zapotec tradition, where it is seen as a protector. Across Mesoamerica, the jaguar is also linked to the night and the underworld. Warriors who wore jaguar costumes were known as some of the bravest fighters in the region's history. A small mask like this, made to hang on a wall, brings that same protective spirit into your home.
This mask is hand-carved from fragrant copal wood and painted with great care. Even though it is small, it stands out as a special piece from Oaxaca that catches your eye and sparks your imagination.
