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| The masks of the “dirty devils” of Parita |
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The central province of Herrera is a place well known for preserving Panama´s folklore and traditions. In Parita lives Darío López, an artisan who has been creating and elaborating the masks of the diablicos sucios for more than 40 years, with designs of animals or devils. López started making masks when he was 9 years old, taught by his father who dedicated his life to handicraft . In those years these pieces in small sizes were sold in US$0,15 each one. Today, the prices vary according to the size, from US$0,40 for the smallest (used as souvenirs or keyholders) to US$80.00 for the big ones. The artisan work has reached the international market through promotions in guidebooks and also word of mouth for a long time from the customers of López. Actually, a group of Panamanians living in New York, ordered some time ago 1,000 masks to celebrate the Panama Independence Day, in November. López explained that he also provides the masks to several stores in the Azuero peninsula and to about other 10 all over Panama city. The artisan pointed out that, even though there are several craftsmen who make this type of masks, he maintains his clients for the quality of his work. Besides the masks he also makes the outfit of the little devils, including the castanets and the cutarras (sandals of rustic leather) López works with a team of 12 persons, 8 of which are his children. Anyone who arrives to López´ house in Parita can have a mask ready in just three days.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 18 January 2010 21:51 ) |
