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Writer's pictureSantiago Billy

The Secret Mask-Maker of Rabinal


The tools Jesus Iboy uses to make the masks in his workshop. Phoot: Santiago Billy/Comvite
The tools Jesus Iboy uses to make the masks in his workshop. Phoot: Santiago Billy/Comvite

Artisans tend to be a secretive bunch. Their most prized asset is their technique, so they often keep their work mostly to themselves. Jesus Iboy, a 37-year old mask-maker from the town of Rabinal, is no exception to this rule. Hidden in plain sight during a play, he steadily bangs the tun, a wooden drum carved from a tree trunk. The actors dance their roles away while wearing the masks he’s crafted for them. “The most ancient masks are the ones that have been used the most,” he muses. “We don’t know how many people have worn them.” Another thing people don’t really know is who actually made those masks. At that fact, Mr. Iboy simply smiles.

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