Mario Castellanos: Stunning Precolumbian Cedar Mask Alebrije
Mario Castellanos: Stunning Precolumbian Cedar Mask Alebrije
This spectacular wood mask by Mario Castellanos is a true masterpiece that blends Zapotec symbolism, myth, and artistry.
Hand-carved from cedar wood and meticulously painted, the mask is layered with symbolic elements. At the top sits a richly dressed codex-like figure holding maize, the sacred crop of Mesoamerica, representing fertility, sustenance, and divine offering. Behind him emerge a jaguar and a Quetzalcoatl, important pre-Columbian symbols of strength, the underworld, and cosmic duality.
The open jaws of a jaguar dominate the central section, its fangs framing the mask below a portal motif often found in Mesoamerican art, suggesting passage into the spiritual world.
The mask itself, painted in striking black and white patterns, recalls ancient stone carvings. Its bold earrings, painted with star-like motifs, hint at cosmic connections, grounding the figure within the celestial order. Together, these elements weave a story of life, death, and renewal, a stunning synthesis of Zapotec and broader pre-Columbian belief.
The overall composition reflects the fusion of human, animal, and divine forces, echoing the belief that masks were not just decorative objects but conduits of transformation, allowing the wearer to embody sacred beings during rituals.
ORIGINAL PRICE: $1,795 US dollars Flash Piece Price $1,615
This FLASH PIECE will be available for just 48 hours. The buying and payment process remains the same as always, but once the clock runs out, it's gone. Your purchase will ship as usual from Houston, though it may take a few extra days compared to our regular pieces, as they are now at the workshop.
