Vejigante Masks

Naturally Inspired

Our collection includes Traditional as well as Modern Vejigante Masks.

The vejigante is a folkloric figure who's origins trace back to medieval Spain. The legend goes that the vejigante represented the infidel Moors who were defeated in a battle led by Saint James. To honor the saint, the people dressed as demons took to the street in an annual procession. Over time, the vejigante became a kind of folkloric demon, but in Puerto Rico, it took on a new dimension with the introduction of African and native Taíno cultural influence. The Africans supplied the drum-heavy music of bomba y plena, while the Taíno contributed native elements to the most important part of the vejigante costume: the mask. As such, the Puerto Rico vejigante is a cultural expression singular to Puerto Rico.

Vejigante is an amalgamation of two Spanish words: vejiga, or cow bladder, and gigante, or giant. The name refers to the vejigas that the characters carry with them. The bladder, which is dried, inflated, filled with seeds and painted, is the trusty weapon of the vejigante.

information by Zain Deane of tripsavvy.com

The colorful cape

The mask is just one part of the ensemble. In addition, the vejigante sports a flowing cape, a bit like a clown suit but with billowy sides that spread out like wings when the vejiga spreads his arms.

Miguel Caraballo and Family (Ponce, P.R.)

Traditional Ponce Vejigante Masks

These are the Traditional Paper Maché Masks that represent the masks used in the Ponce Carnival.

They hang from a string attached to the back.

THERE ARE MORE COLOR COMBINATIONS AVAILABLE! We can send you photos of the other colors; just call/text/e-mail us!

)

VM-MCF-A1 : Mini Vejigante Mask

$20.00 each

5"L x 3"W x 6"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

VM-MCF-B1 : Small Vejigante Mask, with NOSE

$40.00 each

8"L x 5"W x 10.5"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

C1 : Small Vejigante Mask (Traditional Style)

$50.00 each

9.25"L x 5"W x 9"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

C2 : Small Vejigante Mask (Rooster)

$50.00 each

9"L x 5.5"W x 10"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

C3 : Small Vejigante Mask (with 3 Spikes)

$50.00 each

9.25"L x 5"W x 9"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

C4 : Small Vejigante Mask (with 2 Spikes)

$50.00 each

9.25"L x 5"W x 9"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

D1 : Small Vejigante Mask with Teeth (Traditional Style)

$60.00 each

9.25"L x 5.25"W x 10"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

D2 : Small Vejigante Mask with Teeth (with 2 spikes)

$60.00 each

9.25"L x 5.25"W x 10"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $30 (plus tax).

F : Extra Large Vejigante Mask (8 Horns)

$135.00 each

14.5"L x 12.5"W x 20"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $200 (plus tax).

G : Extra Large Vejigante Mask (9 Horns)

$145.00 each

14.5"L x 13"W x 21.5"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $200 (plus tax).

Jorge Lugo (Juana Díaz, P.R.)

Modern Ponce Vejigante Masks

These are Modern Paper Maché Masks that represent the masks used in the Ponce Carnival.

They hang from a string attached to the back and he also makes Wearable Masks!

THERE ARE MANY COLOR COMBINATIONS AVAILABLE! We can send you photos of the other colors; just call/text/email us.

)

About the Artist:

Making masks for more than 60 years, Miguel Caraballo, Sr., learned his craft as a teenager from lessons with Doña Panchita Salvador in Ponce. His son, Miguel Caraballo, Jr., also developed an artistry for mask-making. The family tradition has survived and now also includes masks by Norma (Jr.'s wife) and their children. The Caraballo Family Masks are considered to be the best in Ponce.

Please Keep In Mind That:

♥ All of our items are handmade, and so the sizes in the descriptions are approximations.

♥ Availability of colors and designs will depend on the artist and the materials at hand.

♥ Stands used to prop items up in the photos are additional pieces, not included with the

item. They can be purchased separately.

♥ There is an 11.5% sales tax to add to the total of the order; the tax applies to the shipping and handling too.

♥ Shipping and Handling will depend on the item(s) selected.

♥ To place an order, please e-mail, call or text us at (787) 725 - 5596 to verify availability of items and receive a shipping and handling estimate.

♥ We only mail to P.R. and the U.S.A.

♥ Photos do not represent the size of the item (please read the dimensions provided).

♥ Camera flash might alter colors.

About the Artist:

From Ponce, P.R. Jorge Lugo's attraction to the colorful masks began from his participation in the Ponce Carnival as a child. After retiring, he has fully dedicated his time to mask-making. His masks have curious dinosaur-like crests. He currently lives in Juana Díaz.

A : Mini Vejigante Mask

$16.00 each

5"L x 4"W x 5"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

A1 - Varied Colors

A2 - Puerto Rican Flag

B : Small Vejigante Mask with Painted Teeth

$30.00 each

8.5"L x 5"W x 8.5"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

C : Small Vejigante Mask with Pointy Teeth

$30.00 each

8"L x 5.5"W x 8.5"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

D : Small Vejigante Mask with Alligator Mouth

$32.00 each

10"L x 7.5"W x 8"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

E : Medium Vejigante Mask

$60.00 each

11"L x 7.5"W x 16"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $125 (plus tax).

F : Large Vejigante Mask

$120.00 each

15"L x 11.5"W x 16"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $200 (plus tax).

G : Wearable Crown Mask

$120.00 each

16"L x 5.5"W x 14"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $103 (plus tax).

Has foam insert and elastic strap to keep mask in place.

Some are for small faces, others for large faces.

H : Wearable Traditional Mask

$80.00 each

10.5"L x 11.5"W x 12"H approx.

Papier - Mâché

Shipping and Handling fee for 1 mask is $103 (plus tax).

Has foam insert and elastic strap to keep mask in place.

Some are for small faces, others for large faces.

Carlos Garced (Caguas, P.R.)

About the Artist:

Carlos Garced was born in Caguas in 1973. At 15 years old he visited the Ayala Family's house in Loíza, where he learned the basics of coconut shell mask-making. He also makes gourd masks. He still lives in Caguas, now with his wife and kids.