(Zarco Guerrero) Located at the far left of Dance Drama Mask wall is a mask painted black on the face and decorated elaborately and colorfully with flowing ribbons. This is a depiction of El Negro, that represents the African presence and influence in Mexican art and culture. This dance also enabled native peoples to express eloquently their response to another race of people. Gayle Castañeda tells us about El Negrito and more of its history in Mexico.
(Gayle Castañeda) The history of the black man in Mexico is a very interesting study in itself. And, in different areas of Mexico, there are different versions of the Negrito mask. And our dolls, in the exhibit are miniatures of the mask from Uruapan, Michoacan, Tthe Negrito character of Uruapan .
The mask above the Cara Alegorico and the masked dancers is from another area and there are different versions. But, as I say, the history of the black man in Mexico is very interesting. And, in Michoacan, as well as other areas of Mexico, of course, the black man was very unusual. You know, the color of his skin. And there also had been some relation with black in some pre-Hispanic rites or beliefs, also. And, I'm not really familiar with the details of that.
And the blacks, in Mexico weren't just slaves as such; they performed many duties. You know, they were obradores. They were workers and carpenters and overseers. They sometimes were overseers of Indians that were used as slave labor. And of course, then, they were used in the traditional role of footmen and servants in the home and sometimes dressed in, you know, very elegant outfits like a butler's outfit of the time, something on that order. But the black men and women had a special niche in the history and in the beliefs of the indigenous people of Mexico.
The black man, Negrito, masks of Uruapan are distinctive with the high cheekbones, the long, slim noses and the carved, twisted, forked beards. That stands them out from—separates them—from other styles and areas of black men masks in Mexico.
(Zarco Guerrero) For me, the Negrito masks are among my favorite depictions of humanity because of their sophistication and elegance.
Special Thanks to Gateway for their support of this project.
Many thanks also to the University of Arizona Disability Resources Center for transcribing the tour episodes.
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