Pascola Mask

Description

Pascola mask handcrafted using the technique of soft wood type chiricote or chilicote painted with enamel. In the upper part of the forehead he wears a cross for the protection of those who carry it and expressing the indigenous converted to the Catholic religion (cultural syncretism). Wearing the mask for the dance symbolizes the male goat, known as yoem chupia (bewitched or bewitched man). On his cheekbones he has painted the figure of a yo'awa from the Juya ánia universe (animal from the universe of nature, since the Yaqui feels part of that universe. In this case it is a lizard. On the outer contour, there is a decoration formed by triangles in white and red colors to represent the sacred hills of the Yaqui territory.

The word Pascola is etymologically composed of two words from the Yoeme language: pajko which means party and oola which means old; the combination of both words translates as the old man or the wise man of the party. In the dance, the Pascolas represent the movements of the animals of the Juya Ania universe, among which the lizard stands out; the chameleon; the male goat and the toad. It is common to hear the Pascolas shout during the procession with the image of the Saints, trying to call the evil one because they feel that he has abandoned them because of their prayers.