Suchitlán, a picturesque town that belongs the municipality of Comala, located on the slopes of the towering Colima Volcano in the Mexican state of Colima, renowned for its rich cultural traditions and vibrant community of artisans, is noteworthy as tight - knit community where many traditions linked to pre - Hispanic Nahuatl origin are still valued and preserved.
In this small town, from the entrance one can feel a traditional, mystical atmosphere, a connection with the land, admiring the cobbled streets and traditional houses with red tile roofs, to the the classic crafts masks which are hand carved in wood and decorated with bright colours,which have been used for generations in seasonal festivals such as Christmas, Easter, fiestas, carnival and fokloric dances, and for its history and value making Suchitlán, the Mexican cradle of traditional mask art.
The local community that proudly preserves the heritage of its indigenous roots has in its masks an iconic symbol combining pre - Hispanic tradition, mixed with later influences, such as Christianity. Beyond being decorative objects, they fulfil a symbolic function for ritual, dances and celebrations, representing beings of nature, animals or mythical figures.
Suchitlán masks traditionally made by Nahua artisans are meticulously hand - carved mainly from tzompantle wood, a local tree and then hand - painted in vibrant colours.
Behind each mask there is a process that requires, love, passion. patience, strength and skill. The artisans cut it, empty it and begin to shape it traditional tools named “angaros” until the features that give life to each character emerge. Once ended this process the mask is polished, detailed and painted with intense colours, highlighting looks and gestures with character.
Beyond being handicrafts appreciated both in Mexico and abroad, the masks of Suchitlán are ritual objects. They serve to personify characters in traditional dances and festivals, and, above all, to embody vital elements of nature.
The masks of Suchitlán are much more than artisanal pieces, the tradition has been passed down through generations, they represent an ancestral tradition closely linked to the “Danza de los Morenos” a dance part of a religious tradition celebrated during Holy Week, specifically on Holy Saturday, and on May 3rd for the Day of the Holy Cross.
The dancers wearing the masks are accompanied by a “vihuela” (a type of guitar) and marking their steps with a gourd rattle, recreating the story of Noha’s Ark and the symbolism of the animals that defended Jesus’s body in the Holy Sepulchre.
The masks used in the ““Danza de los Morenos” form nine pairs, a figure that alludes to the number of days that the celebration lasts and to the novenas dedicated to the deceased in the Mexican tradition.
According to the Indigenous culture a mask is not complete until it has been “danced”, only in this way is she considered consecrated. It is believed that, by covering the dancer’s face, a part of his spirit remains forever inside, turning it into a ritual object charged with strength and meaning.
To visit Suchitlán is to discover a culture that is kept alive through its history, traditions, artisans, dances and iconic masks. Without a doubt, this town is a must - see destination for those looking for authentic, unique and deeply Mexican experiences.
Link
https://infoturlatam.com/suchitlan-la-cuna-del-arte-mascarero-tradicional/
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