Diablo Dancers, 2016
by Adrian Xuana
San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico
Copal wood, pigment
8.5” high x 7.5” wide x 3.5” wide
Carver Adrián Xuana began carving wood at the age of fourteen. His earliest pieces included armadillos, and among his most notable early works are figures of Christopher Columbus and his ship.
Today, one of his signature creations is the death-dog, a figure that narrates the journey of the dead to the underworld. As a master carver, he has developed a distinctive style, earning recognition in both private and public collections. His masks, highly valued for their craftsmanship and cultural significance, have been awarded numerous times over the past forty years.
For years, he has consistently won the mask competition in San Martín Tilcajete.
