Melvin Gonzalez Rojas Costa Rican Boruca Tribal Mask with Butterflies. Titled "Forest Butterflies II". Melvin learned the art of traditional mask-making at an early age from his late father, Don Ismael Gonzales, who is recognized as the founder of the modern mask movement. From his father and mentor, Melvin also inherited a deep love for his culture and feels a deep responsibility to keep their cultural heritage alive. He often participates in ceremonial and theatrical representations sharing the Borucan mythology and cosmovision. Melvin sees the need to teach the new generations how to create their own masks, and hopes to follow his father's legacy of teaching.

Titled "Forest Butterflies II". 

Size: 9 x 5 x 19 1/2 in. 

The Brunca people tell the story that during the Spanish conquest, their masks played an important role in keeping the invaders away from their village of Boruca in Costa Rica. Masks depicting animals or nature spirits were used to scare the Spanish, who then called the natives “diablitos” or little devils. Today the Borucans are one of eight surviving indigenous ethnic groups in Costa Rica, and the town of Boruca is part of one of Costa Rica’s 24 indigenous territories. The tribe has about 2,000 people. They help develop their cultural identity by remembering their resistance through the annual “Fiesta de los Diablitos” a 4 day celebration and re-enactment of the battle between their masked ancestors and the bull representing the invading Spanish. Since the 1980s their mask making art has experienced a renaissance as the people of Boruca are re-discovering themselves and channeling their creative energy to reclaim their traditions.