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Guatemala's Masks and Drama. Jim Pieper, Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2006. 283 pp.
This is a very attractive book. It is printed in high quality glossy paper and with wonderful photographs. Taken by the author they make for an appealing visual ethnography which will be of interest to mesoamericanists interested in folklore and non-specialists attracted to the world of popular art and traditional dance-dramas of the world. The self described goal of the book is to "go behind the maskto peel away layers of history, owners, cultural roots, forced conversions, dancing, fear, and joy-to uncover the essence of the mask's place in the dance drama of Guatemala." The book is not directed to scholars but to the general public interested in native crafts and more specifically to collectors, to educate them on the masks' qualities and origins. In this sense, the tone at times is that of a travel guide...