Mexican Masks and Puppets: Master Carvers of the Sierra de Puebla

Recipient enjoyed

I have been intensely involved with the collection and trade of antique Mexican masks for many years. I have observed that even large museums have been easily fooled by a proliferation of masks that are not authentic ceremonial dance masks. There is evidence that even the authors of some books, either through ignorance or personal gain, have reinforced the trade of masks that were, and are, carved in a spectacular fashion exclusively for the tourist trade.Since my own mask collection efforts have been largely in the Mexican highlands of the states of Puebla and Veracruz, I have acquired enough knowledge of the carvers there, both past and present, to be convinced of the authenticity of the masks in this book that have been so meticulously documented.The author has developed a unique and objective rating system that he explains in detail and applies throughout much of the book. Several pages are devoted to the objective evaluation of a good mask. He awards stars within a rating scale of 0-6. Better masks are awarded more stars and by extension are more valuable monetarily if you are attempting to assign a monetary value.The section devoted to puppets included in the dance ceremonies of the region is also unique.This book by Dr. Stevens is destined to become the most significant source available for detailed and accurate information about a previously neglected region for mask enthusiasts.In short, this is a beautiful book, both from a visual and an intellectual perspective. It sets a new standard for literature in the field.

I bought this book to give to my daughter who teaches art at a local middle/high school. She has always taught her students a section on masks. She thinks this book is very special. Filled with color photograghs of the maska and puppets. I go by what she says because my degree is in theatre, but I don't know much about art. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pass on her critique of the book.

I think 5 stars are often awarded too frequently, but Bryan's book really does deserve the highest rating. It combines the finest scholarship of masks in East-Central Mexico with photos and writing that the average person can enjoy and easily understand.

Bought this as a gift for my spouse and loved it! It's very comprehensive, with excellent details on the artists and context of the design.

Good start on an area of mask making not so well known.Author admits there still needs more research on thepuppet idols used in dance.

The book is visually stunning, but that is only the beginning. The author's decision to memorialize the indigenous craftsmen by name brings a level of integrity to the whole enterprise that should be a model for both anthropologists and lay collectors alike, and even that is not the best part. Dr. Stevens brings together and extends what is known about the ancient roots of the Indian traditions. The dances associated with the masks are windows into the mind of the ancient Aztecs. The glimpses we get into the rituals and world view of the pre-contact Aztecs, along with the surreptitious layers of meaning that had to be added to save the traditions from being snuffed out by the Inquisition, and the subsequent evolution of the rituals and beliefs continuing into the present day is beyond fascinating! Brilliant; with an affable, engaging style; a must read for any Aztec aficionado!

I received this wonderful book as a holiday gift, and it is stunning. It delivers everything-and-more on this fascinating topic. A coffee table book / a compendium full of in-depth information accompanied by lots of amazing visuals / an encyclopedic overview of the regions, mask-makers, and artisans, etc. If you are interested in ethnic masks, folk art, and regional craftsmen, you will want this book for your library. It is a volume that I will consult again and again -- literally, the gift that keeps on giving.

Very nice book , more than enough info and everything well documented, great work of Bryan Stevens (r.i.p) as a mexican i really appreciate this kind of works, saludos excelente libro y entrega rapidisima.Gracias