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Vintage hand-carved and hand-painted wooden bull / Torito dance mask, likely Guatemalan folk art. This striking mask features a bold traditional design with a thick carved wooden body, painted red, black, green, yellow, blue and off-white details, two rectangular cut-out eye openings, painted circular eyes, a raised muzzle, and a long striped wooden horn.
The overall form and construction closely resemble traditional Guatemalan Torito / bull dance masks used in folk and festival traditions. Exact maker, region, village, and date are unknown, so attribution to Guatemala is based on comparison with similar examples rather than a visible signature or maker’s mark.
The mask is substantial and heavily carved, with a deeply hollowed reverse showing clear hand-tool marks and age-related patina. It weighs approximately 1 lb 5.6 oz (about 612 g), giving it a solid, substantial feel.
Important condition note:
Only one horn is present. The opposite horn is missing, and the original mounting hole is visible where that horn would have been attached. Please review all photos carefully for the exact condition.
The mouth on this example is painted rather than cut open. Unlike some Torito masks that have an open mouth or attached tongue element, this mask does not appear to have a mouth opening. The rectangular openings above the painted eyes are the actual viewing holes.
A vintage cord is still attached for hanging or display, and old wire remains on the reverse. There is also an old interior retail/inventory label marked “GROCERY”; this does not appear to be a maker’s label and should not be considered evidence of origin.
Condition:
Vintage pre-owned condition with visible age-related wear throughout, including surface scratches, paint wear, rubbing, discoloration, patina, small losses, and general wear consistent with age and handling. One horn is missing, as noted above. No visible maker signature has been found. Please inspect all photos closely, as they are an important part of the description and show the item’s actual condition.
Approximate measurements:
* Width: approx. 8.5 in
* Body height: approx. 7–7.5 in
* Overall height with remaining horn: approx. 8.5–9 in
* Depth: approx. 4 in
* Weight: 1 lb 5.6 oz / approx. 612 g
This is a distinctive piece of Latin American folk art, suitable for collectors of Guatemalan masks, Torito dance masks, bull masks, hand-carved wood masks, ethnographic folk art, festival masks, ceremonial masks, primitive decor, rustic wall decor, vintage folk art, and traditional carved wooden masks.
Because of its hand-carved construction, substantial weight, aged surface, bold painted decoration and surviving original hanging elements, it displays very well as a decorative folk art mask even with the missing horn.
Vintage Guatemalan bull mask, Torito dance mask, hand carved wood mask, hand painted folk art, Latin American folk art, Guatemalan folk mask, festival bull mask, ceremonial mask, ethnographic mask, rustic wall decor, primitive folk art, carved wooden animal mask, vintage dance mask.
