Vejigante carnival mask of painted paper mache construction. Mask is mainly painted a light grey-blue, with purple and white dots, and purple dashes on the horns. The white face with cut-out holes at the eyes and mouth. There are floral-like designs in gold and purple that spiral out from around the eyes. The eye sockets and nostrils are painted purple, with large false lashes glued to the upper edge of the eye sockets. Three long curved horns project out from the top and sides. The top, centre horn extends up, and curves forward, and has a small gold cross in front of green fern-like leaves. The right horn curls forward, in front of the face, and the left horn curls up and over the head. The top of the head is lined with four large red flowers with yellow stamens, and two orange and black butterfly. On both sides, a small painted white metal key hangs from the horns. The snout has a large open mouth with black stitching along the lips, and three pointed white teeth with red gums. Black, grey and red ribbons are tied to each side of the mask and hang down. The interior is painted red. Signed and dated inside.

• Cultural Context

  Contemporary Puerto Rican Vejigante mask.

• Narrative

  The Taíno are a historic indigenous people of the Caribbean. In the late 15th century, they were the principal inhabitants of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, who spoke a dialect of the Arawakan language. The maker identifies as having Taíno heritage.

• Iconographic Meaning

  Day of the Dead mask, in homage to those who died from Hurricane Maria, a deadly Category 5 hurricane that devastated the northeastern Caribbean in September 2017, particularly Dominica, Saint Croix, and Puerto Rico. Huracan was the name given by the Taíno of Boriken (now Puerto Rico) for the god that sent the wind of destruction. Hurricanes were considered a warning to the people to change their ways.

• History Of Use

  For performances during Carnival in Puerto Rico or in Puerto Rican communities in the US. Based on Taíno iconography.

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• Type of Item mask
• Culture Puerto Rican
• Material paper, paste adhesive, paint, gesso, metal, synthetic fibre
• Measurements height 55.0 cm, width 46.0 cm, depth 44.5 cm (overall)

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• Creator Juan M. Roman Jr.
• Previous Owner Juan M. Roman Jr.
• Received from Juan M. Roman Jr.

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• Made in Chicago

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• Creation Date during 2019
• Ownership Date before July 2, 2020
• Acquisition Date on July 2, 2020

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3428/0002