Vintage Mexican Butterfly Mask

Vintage enamel-painted copper mask from Mexico, depicting a whimsical face with rainbowed butterfly wings, protuberant nose and attached dangling earrings.   Likely made in the southwestern state of Guerrero in the early 20th century, where there is a very old tradition of festival masks made from hammered copper.  Small slits beneath the eyes allowed the wearer to see out.  Traditional beliefs held that the wearing of masks temporarily replaced the identity and soul of the wearer with the identity and soul of the spirit portrayed by the mask.