Producer unknown to us
Deer Dance mask
Americas, Mexico, Sonora
Mid-20th century
Wood, fabric string, nylon thread, glass; carved, tied, clamped, and drilled
Werner and Vera Hartwig (Ethnologists) acquired this mask during a teaching and research trip to Mexico 1975–77
Donated to the museum by Werner Hartwig in 1977
MAm 7856
This Deer Dance mask of the Yaqui people of Sonora (Mexico) and Arizona (United States) is carved from very light wood, and is worn tied to a dancer’s forehead with strings. The Deer Dance continues to have many symbolic meanings into the 21st century. In the context of hunting, dancers thank the animals for sacrificing themselves to nourish humans. Furthermore, it enables a community to access the sea ania, the Flower World, which symbolizes all that is beautiful and good. Since the Spanish conquest, the dance has merged with Christian elements and has thus survived to the present day. According to the oral tradition within the Yaqui community, the blood shed by Jesus on the Cross turned into flowers, so that calling to the flower world during the dance also commemorates Jesus’ suffering on the Cross. The Deer Dance can be performed on many occasions. However, the largest ceremonies are usually held during Lent and on December 12, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Frank Usbeck