In rural Mexico, folk festivals and the dances that accompany them mark the high point of local life. In preparation for these festivities, Old and New World traditions fuse to forge an awe-inspiring array of masks made by artisans whose talent is legendary. This book provides a comprehensive celebration of these wonderfully inventive masks and their creators in a rich display of artistry, vitality, beauty, and whimsy.

Preface -- Traditional dance-masks of Mexico -- Male display -- Female faces -- Dominion of the animals -- Bible, devil-and death -- From abstract to fantastic -- Notes on the masks -- Bibliography.