Hand-Carved Jaguar Mask
Steeped in the mythical Tecuani (jaguar) dance traditions of Guerrero, this hand-carved wooden mask presents a fierce yet intricately rendered feline spirit. Sculpted with a wide, grimacing mouth set with individually rendered fangs, the masks features dense hand-painted rosettes, vibrant foliage, and a delicate floral motif atop its brow. Framed by colorful draped satin ribbons that sway with subtle movement, this captivating piece brings sacred Mesoamerican animal lore and fine artisan brushwork to any wall or curated shelf.
One-of-a-Kind Works: Each piece is entirely unique. Select an edition below to view and purchase the exact mask shown in the photo.
- Dimensions: 4–5"W x 5"H x 2"D (approx.)
- Origin: Xalitla, Guerrero, México
- Artisans: Óscar and Carlos López Mota
- Material: 100% Hand-Carved Zompantle Wood, Hand-Painted Mineral & Acrylic Pigments, Satin Ribbons
A Note on Mounting: True to traditional mask-making techniques, each piece features a raw, hand-carved wooden interior without pre-installed hardware. Recommendations for mounting include:
- Dual Wall Nails / Hooks: For stability, rest the upper hollow of the carved wood cavity onto two small, angled wall nails rather than a single nail.
- Adhesive Strips: Heavy-duty Command picture-hanging strips can be used if applied to a clean, flat surface on the back of the wood.
- Easel / Shelf Display: Displays beautifully on a tabletop easel, wall ledge, or nested within a shadow box.
Handcrafted in Xalitla, Guerrero, this piece was created by brothers Óscar and Carlos López Mota. As third-generation Náhuatl artists guided from childhood by their grandparents, Óscar and Carlos mastered wood carving, amate paper painting, and clay sculpture from an early age. In Guerrero, wooden mask making is a revered ceremonial tradition deeply tied to indigenous village life, ritual dances, and seasonal agricultural rites—historically hand-carved from soft native woods like zompantle. In Xalitla, this sculptural art form transforms into a vivid storytelling canvas, where the Mota brothers paint intricate, miniature scenes and mesmerizing fine-line patterns in luminous detail. Today, as recognized community leaders, they actively teach their craft to new generations, preserving the rich Náhuatl cultural legacy of the Alto Balsas region.
Dispatch: Hand-packed with care and leaves our US studio in 1–2 business days. Please visit our Shipping Information page for more details.
Safe Journey Guarantee: We take full responsibility for the journey. In the rare event that your treasure arrives damaged, we provide a replacement or full refund.
Change of Mind: We want you to love your find. Most items are eligible for returns within 30 days of delivery. Please visit our Return Policy page for more information.
Artisan Nature: Because our pieces are handcrafted, please embrace the minor variations and imperfections that make your item one-of-a-kind.
Sending as a gift? Add your personal message in the Shopping Cart, and we’ll include a beautiful gift card for your recipient. Every Eterna Home treasure also arrives with its own Heritage Note—a hand-marked record identifying the specific artisan studio and Mexican region where your piece was born.
