Mask

The Oruro Carnival is held every year in honor of the Virgen of Socavon. It is one of the most emblematic cultural events in Bolivia. This event results from the mixture of elements of traditional andean cultures - invocations to the Pachamama (Mother Earth), Tio Supay (Devil) - and Hispanic Christianity (late eighteenth century with the appearance of the Virgin’s image). Among the artistic expressions of the Oruro Carnival is "La Diablada", one of the eighteen Bolivian typical dances, in which different masks inspired by the syncretic iconography are used. In 2001 UNESCO declared the carnival as "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." The mask here in exhibition was donated by Mr. Walter Tournier and it was used in this carnival in the '70s.