Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz (Peruvian) Saqra Fox of Paucartambo Master Hand-Crafted Ceremonial Dance Mask
This striking Saqra Fox of Paucartambo is a completely original and individually hand-crafted ceremonial mask by Peruvian master mask maker Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz. Created within the traditional mask-making culture of Paucartambo, Cusco, the work belongs to the celebrated visual universe of the Saqra dance, performed during the renowned festivities of the Virgen del Carmen.
The mask presents a fierce and fantastic fox-like or wild canine Saqra, distinguished by its elongated ears, blazing red-and-orange eye, sharply modeled black snout, open mouth, and dramatic rows of long white fangs. Its expression is intense, theatrical, and animated, capturing the mischievous and supernatural spirit traditionally associated with the Saqras, who bring visual force, movement, and tension to the festive procession.
A vivid green serpent with white spotted markings extends across the forehead and over the snout, becoming one of the mask's most dynamic sculptural features. This serpentine element heightens the work's fantastical appearance and reinforces the sense of transformation, danger, and play that defines the Saqra character within the ceremonial tradition.
The surface is beautifully finished in warm tones of amber, ochre, black, red, and burgundy, further enriched by delicate golden linear detailing that emphasizes the contours of the ears, cheeks, muzzle, and jaw. These fine accents enhance the sculptural modeling and give the mask exceptional luminosity and visual depth.
Within the Virgen del Carmen festivities, the Saqras occupy an important symbolic and performative role, appearing as dramatic, unruly, and unforgettable figures that surround the sacred celebration with theatrical energy. This mask preserves that ceremonial identity while also standing as an exceptional independent work of contemporary Peruvian folk art.
Each example created by the master is individually modeled and painted by hand, making every mask a unique work with its own character, expression, and sculptural presence. This original piece is especially suitable for collectors of Latin American masks, ritual art, dance traditions, and master Peruvian craftsmanship.
ARTIST
Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz is a recognized master mask maker from Paucartambo, Cusco. He is known for creating expressive ceremonial masks connected to the dance traditions of the Virgen del Carmen festivities, preserving and renewing one of the most visually powerful popular traditions of the Peruvian Andes.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This mask is a completely original and individually hand-crafted creation by Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Individually modeled, sculpted, and hand-painted ceremonial mask with raised sculptural features and detailed polychrome decoration.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 9 1/2 in.
Width: 8 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of authentic Peruvian ceremonial and folk art. This unique Saqra mask is distinguished by its powerful fox-like character, vivid serpent motif, and direct connection to the celebrated festival traditions of Paucartambo.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. The original painted surface, sculptural ears, teeth, fangs, and raised serpent remain well preserved, with no visible significant structural damage, repairs, or restorations. Minor irregularities are consistent with careful hand-crafted production.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
This striking Saqra Fox of Paucartambo is a completely original and individually hand-crafted ceremonial mask by Peruvian master mask maker Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz. Created within the traditional mask-making culture of Paucartambo, Cusco, the work belongs to the celebrated visual universe of the Saqra dance, performed during the renowned festivities of the Virgen del Carmen.
The mask presents a fierce and fantastic fox-like or wild canine Saqra, distinguished by its elongated ears, blazing red-and-orange eye, sharply modeled black snout, open mouth, and dramatic rows of long white fangs. Its expression is intense, theatrical, and animated, capturing the mischievous and supernatural spirit traditionally associated with the Saqras, who bring visual force, movement, and tension to the festive procession.
A vivid green serpent with white spotted markings extends across the forehead and over the snout, becoming one of the mask's most dynamic sculptural features. This serpentine element heightens the work's fantastical appearance and reinforces the sense of transformation, danger, and play that defines the Saqra character within the ceremonial tradition.
The surface is beautifully finished in warm tones of amber, ochre, black, red, and burgundy, further enriched by delicate golden linear detailing that emphasizes the contours of the ears, cheeks, muzzle, and jaw. These fine accents enhance the sculptural modeling and give the mask exceptional luminosity and visual depth.
Within the Virgen del Carmen festivities, the Saqras occupy an important symbolic and performative role, appearing as dramatic, unruly, and unforgettable figures that surround the sacred celebration with theatrical energy. This mask preserves that ceremonial identity while also standing as an exceptional independent work of contemporary Peruvian folk art.
Each example created by the master is individually modeled and painted by hand, making every mask a unique work with its own character, expression, and sculptural presence. This original piece is especially suitable for collectors of Latin American masks, ritual art, dance traditions, and master Peruvian craftsmanship.
ARTIST
Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz is a recognized master mask maker from Paucartambo, Cusco. He is known for creating expressive ceremonial masks connected to the dance traditions of the Virgen del Carmen festivities, preserving and renewing one of the most visually powerful popular traditions of the Peruvian Andes.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This mask is a completely original and individually hand-crafted creation by Ronal Sanchez Santa Cruz and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Individually modeled, sculpted, and hand-painted ceremonial mask with raised sculptural features and detailed polychrome decoration.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 9 1/2 in.
Width: 8 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of authentic Peruvian ceremonial and folk art. This unique Saqra mask is distinguished by its powerful fox-like character, vivid serpent motif, and direct connection to the celebrated festival traditions of Paucartambo.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. The original painted surface, sculptural ears, teeth, fangs, and raised serpent remain well preserved, with no visible significant structural damage, repairs, or restorations. Minor irregularities are consistent with careful hand-crafted production.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
