A temporary exhibit at the Museum of the Central Bank of Costa Rica exhibits the traditional masks of faces, devils and animals, of Central American celebrations.

More than two hundred fifty authentic masks, from all corners of the Central American Isthmus, are part of an astonishing temporary exhibit, that both nationals and visitors will be able attend through the month of December, at the Museums of the Central Bank of Costa Rica in the city of San Jose.

Behind the devils, animals and menacing, serious, sad or mocking human faces, depicted in these masks; are the small spaces overlooked by catholic missions, that in the end have allowed the indigenous Mesoamerican vision to survive.

In effect, through these authentic pieces - used by the indigenous peoples during their festivals -, the exhibition recounts secular legends, whose roots date back to Pre-Columbian America, to Spain during the conquest or to Africa abandoned as it was to the force of whip and the strike of an oar.

They are beautiful objects and multicolored costumes that evoke symbols and lore through rituals and celebrations, accompanied by a meticulous investigation that through the use of maps, videos and descriptive posters; guide the visitor along a wonderful a path, through the dances and traditions of Central America.

The work of Alexander Tosatti and his team, with the notable contributions of anthropologists Vania Solano and Johnny Cartín, is responsible for this exhibit that the Museums of the Central Bank have embraced, given its extraordinary cultural and tourism significance.

From the rural workshop of the craftsmen who design the masks, the visitor traverses the most beautiful celebrations, dances and traditions of the region. Carefully adapted, the workshop exhibits the tools, the materials and dyes used in fabrication, while explaining the diverse techniques used to produce these gems.

Of the traditionsof note of Guatemala, is the "El Rabinal Achi" festival in tribute to Saint Paul, today a candidate to become Intangible Heritage of Humanity. "El Rabinal Achi" is a drama in dance form, that relates the trial of a soldier who broke the rules of war and attacked civilians and who, in the end is the condemned to death for his transgression.

The display through the Caribbean coasts of Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua brings us to the "Wanaragua" dance. It relates the tradition of Baraunda, the wife of the Sotuye Indian chief, who insulted him by doubting his manhood. The Indian chief then, developed a strategy, by means of which, the warriors disguised themselves as women to deceive and execute surprise attacks on English soldiers. The dance dates back to the time of war between the tribes and the English at San Vicente.

Of Salvadoran origin, is the tradition of “El tigre y el Venado” (the Tiger and the Deer), dance that narrates that on the day of Santa Cruz: a tiger attacked a couple that had left in search of firewood. The Lord of Charity sent a deer to distract the feline until a hunter could kill it. When taking apart its body, the hunter compares the parts with local or national historical events, to the rhythm of drums and through songs filled with humor.

In Nicaragua, the annual route of the procession of Saint Sebastián, is accompanied by the dance of the "Toro Guaco". The splendid staging of this traditional dance, allows the observation of the ‘rubicunda’ masks some with moustaches and beard, others clean shaven, that reflect the semblance of a good looking Spanish noble. The dancers cover their head with colorful hats adorned with feathers, paper flowers and small mirrors. Only one figure does not wear a mask but instead carries a frame that represents the head of a bull.

Among the masks of historical value in Costa Rica, excel without a doubt, those of the festival of "los Diablitos" in the villages of Boruca and Rey Curré. It is a three day ritual dance that expresses a fight to the death and subsequent resurrection, between the devils and the bull ending with its death, dismemberment and distribution among the townspeople.

The Corpus Christi festival in Panama is the stage for the masks of the "Grandiablo" and the "Diablos sucios". The dance relates the fight between good and evil, through the confrontation of Saint Michael with the "Grandiablo" (great devil). The Corpus Christi procession is followed by the "Dirty Devils", dancing in costumes of painted cloth.

And consequently, amid the masks of this unique exhibit, the visitor obtains a unique summary of the diversity of Central American cultures, its indigenous, African and Christian roots, its meaning and its celebrations.