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Moro
One of the oldest and most important Mexican dances, this drama is also
extremely complex in that a number of variations exist throughout
Mexico. The dance reeenacts the defeat and expulsion of the Moors
from Spain by Spanish Christians in 1492. A blending of historical
characters, events, and periods creates a dance ultimately celebrating the
triumph of good (Christians) over evil (Moors). In some Mexican
states, the dance may represent the struggles between the conquistadors
and Aztecs or between the Mexicans and Frenchmen. Typically the
Moors wear masks often decorated with dark skin, pointed beards,
moustaches and turbans.
Seven Vices
The Dance of the Seven Vices developed during the 16C as a blending of
Pre-Hispanic symbolism and the Christian concept of seven deadly
sins. Masks representing animals and reptiles on human faces are
attributed to this dance.
Juan Negro
Originating in Vera Cruz, the Dance of Juan Negro depicts the struggle
between two men, a Spanish hacienda owner and his foreman, for the love of
a woman. The Spaniard, symbolizing the strong, wins over the weaker
Juan Negro.
- Mask descriptions are excerpted from
"Changing Faces: Mexican Masks in Transition"
by Lori Jacobson and Donald E. Fritz
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