The Tradition of the Chivo Mask

The Chivo mask is from Mexico, typically found in the state of Guerrero. The mask was first created and used in the village, Zitlala, after the Mexican Revolution. It is used for the ritual dance called “La Danza de los Chivos” or Dance of the Goats. However, the dance is now used in many other celebrations and festivities throughout other areas of Mexico, as well.

The mask is part of the ceremony known as "the Dance of the Goats” or La Danza de los Chivos. The mask on masksoftheworld.com is from Chilpancingo, State of Guerrero, Mexico. However, the traditional Dance of the Goats began in Zitlala, State of Guerrero, Mexico. The villagers created the dance after the Mexican Revolution in 1910. After the war, an epidemic took place that eliminated almost all livestock in the area. Even with the epidemic, the people were able to complete the construction of their primary church, but afterwards were left with nothing. They decided to approach the patron saint of the village, St. Nicholas to express their concerns and worries. Once they were before him, they dressed and danced as goats. Afterwards, the villagers believed that Saint Nicholas had performed a miracle. From then on, they perform the ceremony every year on the day of St. Nicholas on September 10th. The dance represents the tradition of rural life that portrays peasant life and the daily struggle to keep the heritage of peasant families alive. The idea is to capture daily life through art. The purpose of the mask used in this dance is to transform the dancers into the character of a goat.

The tradition still takes place today in many areas of Mexico. However, some parts of Mexico do the dance a little differently. The dance is more common in the central regi...

... middle of paper ...

...nstrate the element of life-long tradition and hardships of the ancestors of the people who live in Mexico today. They also mark the start of new traditions. This is likely a custom that will continue in the future. The masks are more than likely going to become more elaborate as more resources become available, as well.

Works Cited

http://masksoftheworld.com/wp-content/maskoftheworld_archives/Collison_Collection/Mexican%20Guerrero%20mask%202.htm

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/365-photos/festival-of-the-holy-cross-mexico/?rptregcta=reg_free_np&rptregcampaign=20131016_rw_membership_r1p_us_dr_w#

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_mask-folk_art

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5871502_chivo-mexican-masks.html

http://www.visitingmexico.com.mx/blog/danzas-tradicionales-de-guerrero-mexico.htm

http://www.folklorico.com/danzas/danzas.html