Boruca Warrior Balsa Wood Mask from Costa Rica, "Fierce Warrior"

Marcos Rojas combines all of the colors of the Costa Rican jungle in this detailed mask. He carves it from balsa wood and combines rich hand-painted designs in contrasting colors throughout the piece. The mask comes with an agave fiber loop for easy installation and is signed by the artist as "Arte indígena Boruca, Costa Rica" (Indigenous Boruca Art, Costa Rica) in the back.

Costa Rica's Boruca people have become famous for the whimsical masks that they create for their annual "Dance of the Devils" feast. During the festival, tribesmen perform a series of dances reenacting the Spanish conquest clad in masks meant to ward off evil spirits.