Mexican Display Doll: "El Viejito"

This Mexican display doll depicts a man performing the Los Viejitos dance. For the Viejitos Dance, men are made up to look like little old men with wicked smiles revealing their few remaining front teeth. This particular style of pink face with a wicked smile has been very popular in this part of Michoacan for many years.

The people of Mexico have used masks since 3000 BC. Priests used masks to summon the power of deities and in the sacrifices of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Today, masks are used as part of the tradition of the village festival, honoring the patron saint of the town, and major Christian holidays. Participants fulfill religious vows by their involvement in the festival, while the dances educate as well as interpret and inform the community of shared values and concerns. The masks are part of scripted dance dramas involving music, song, fire and feasting, that could last for several days.

Source:
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/exhibits/santosdiablos/info.shtml http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20110917/LIFESTYLE/110915007/Hartnell-College-displays-Mexican-festival-mask-collection http://www.masksoftheworld.com/Mexico/Mexican Viejo Mask 10.htm
https://www.mexican-folk-art-guide.com/Mexican-masks.html#.XDUua1xKiUk