TITLE: Mahoma de Coche Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Latin America
COUNTRY: Mexico
SUBREGION: Chiapas
ETHNICITY: Mayan (Zoque)
DESCRIPTION: Mahoma (Mohamed) de Coche Mask
CATALOG ID: LAMX119
MAKER: Rogelio González Pimentel (ocozocoautla, 1956- )
CEREMONY: Carnival
FUNCTION: Agriculture/Hunting; Celebration; Entertainment
AGE: 2007
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: paint; glass eyes; putty; animal hair eyelashes; adhesive
The Carnival of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, more commonly known as Coita, in the state of Chiapas, is famous for its masked dances recounting the history of the Reconquista of Spain from the Moors. Among the many characters in the Carnival are the Mahomas de Coche, representing the Moors; the Enlistonados, representing the Spaniards; and the chors, who are clowns and jesters. There is also an unmasked child who portrays David and a masked character portraying Goliath, as well as a horse, a jaguar, and a monkey. The last two characters are considered the only original Zoque (Mayan) characters that preceded Catholic proselytization.
This mask represents the Mahoma de Coche and is worn with a colorful costume and tall hat.
