Vejigante masks and costumes are worn by people dressed as vejigantes, or people who represent 11th-century Spanish Moors, in Puerto Rico during the time of Carnival, as well as during the festival, or carnival, of St. James in July. Vejigante masks date to the 1700s Spanish traditions, and represent a spiritual battle between the Apostle James and Spanish Muslims.
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Apostle James and the Muslims
Tradition holds that James the Apostle miraculously appeared before the Catholic army in Spain during the 11th century. He took an active part in the war between the Spanish Catholics and the Moors, and as the commander of the Catholic forces, he was able to lead a significant victory over the Spanish Moors. It is this battle that serves as the background for the Festivals of St. James and the traditions of the vejigante masks.
Representations
The vejigante masks, along with brightly colored costumes, are representations of the Spanish Moors. They are generally made in bright colors like red or yellow, the colors of the Spanish flag. The masks always have large horns, big eyes and oversize lips and noses.
Vejigantes, the war re-enactors, wear these masks and costumes while carrying an inflated vejiga, or cow's bladder, and hit the crowds during Carnival or festival. This simulates the fighting that took place during the war.
Traditions
According to the Smithsonian Institution, carnivals in general have a long tradition in cultures with a strong Catholic influence, and the Puerto Rico carnivals are no different. These carnivals should not be confused with American-style carnivals with rides and games. These carnivals and festivals are of a religious nature. Traditionally, a carnival represents the fight between good and evil. In the St. James Festival the vejigantes represent evil, while everyone else represents good.
The making of vejigante masks is a custom whose roots can be traced back to Spain and Africa. The mask-making skills are passed down in families from generation to generation as well as through apprenticeships.
Materials
The vejigante masks are made from either papier-maché or coconut shells. The town of Ponce in Puerto Rico prefers papier-maché masks, while the town of Loiza prefers masks made of coconut shells. Masks made of coconut are rooted more deeply in African heritage.
The costumes worn with the masks are usually red and yellow. They also feature wings of fabric attached at the arm and side.
Displays
Teodoro Vidal, a vejigante artist and well-known writer, is credited with bringing the colorful vejigante masks to the attention of the rest of the world through his book "The Papier Maché Masks of the Ponce Carnival."
The Smithsonian website has an online gallery featuring a large collection of some of the more-famous masks created by well-known artists. The collection emphasizes the masks of Ponce. These masks are exquisite and each is handmade.
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