Created by master Oaxacan woodcarving artist Luis Pablo, this striking mask captures the dignified presence of the Xoloitzcuintli, Mexico’s ancient and revered hairless dog. Carved from a single piece of copal wood, the mask is both sculptural and symbolic, honoring the Xolo’s deep cultural roots as a guardian and guide to the afterlife.
The sleek black face is decorated with precise gray linework that emphasizes the contours of the dog’s head, while golden ear ornaments and a radiant headdress in orange, blue, and gold evoke the grandeur of pre-Hispanic ceremonial attire. Luis Pablo’s clean, contemporary carving style enhances the bold geometry and symmetry, allowing the colors and patterns to stand out with striking clarity.
This mask is not only a display of technical skill and artistic vision, but it is also a cultural tribute, merging ancestral symbolism with modern Oaxacan artistry.
