Jaguar and Serpent cedar Mayan mask: Mexico folk Art

> Measurements: 16 x 11.5 x 4 Inches
> It comes with a very strong hook on the back to attached to any wall. It can also satay firmly on a flat surface.
> Made of cedar and handcrafted with homemade tools; thus, you may notice a minimum difference in patterns on pictures shown.
> This is a beautiful carved sculpture representing the Mayan Culture

This vibrant, hand-carved wooden sculpture is a contemporary interpretation of a Mayan mask, often referred to as a "Jaguar and Serpent" mask. It blends traditional Mesoamerican iconography with modern folk-art aesthetics, likely originating from the Yucatan region of Mexico.

The sculpture is organized into several distinct symbolic layers:

1. The Jaguar Crown (Top)
At the peak sits a yellow Jaguar (Balam), its mouth agape to reveal sharp white fangs.

Symbolism: In Mayan culture, the jaguar represents power, ferocity, and protection. It is the lord of the night and the underworld (Xibalba), possessing the ability to traverse between the world of the living and the spirit realm.

2. The Twin Serpents (Upper Sides)
Flanking the jaguar are two stylized Serpents (Kan), one green and one blue.

Symbolism: These likely represent Kukulkan (the Feathered Serpent). The serpent symbolizes rebirth and renewal because it sheds its skin. The use of blue and green connects the figure to the sky, water, and life-sustaining rain.

3. The Central Human Face
The main focal point is a dark, polished wood face with deep-set eyes and a mouth carved into a "vocalizing" or breathing pose.

Facial Paint: The lower half of the face is painted a bold red, which historically signifies life, blood, or the rising sun.

Geometric Patterns: The forehead is adorned with an elaborate headdress featuring "step-fret" and "scroll" motifs common in Mayan architecture (like those found at Chichen Itza). These patterns often represent the stages of life or the movement of the wind.

4. Flanking Human Profiles
Tucked into the sides, near the ears of the main face, are two smaller human profiles in natural wood. These may represent ancestors or the "inner self," highlighting the Mayan belief in the duality of human nature and the connection to one’s lineage.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Wood: Usually carved from a single block of tropical hardwood cedar.

Pigments: The mask uses a "Mayan Blue" and vibrant pinks and oranges; characteristic of modern Yucatecan folk art designed for display and storytelling.