DepartmentHispano

Mascarilla de Luchador

NameFace Mask

Maker El Hijo de Soberano (Mexican)

CultureMexican

Date2020

Place madeTorreón, COAHUILA, Mexico, North America

MediumLycra, vinyl, cotton, elastic

Dimensions4" x 9" x 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Museum Purchase, A.2022.28.1c

Object numberA.2022.28.3

DescriptionFrom #Mask Exhibition: When sports arenas everywhere went dark during the pandemic, luchador El Hijo del Soberano began creating face coverings in the style of the favorite Mexican sport, lucha libre (“free fight,” or wrestling). Known only by his wrestling persona, which translates to “Son of the Sovereign,” El Hijo del Soberano is part of a multi-generational wrestling dynasty begun by his father (El Soberano). The crown and laurels on the masks are unique to this family, symbolizing victory and nobility, and reminiscent of Roman emperors. El Hijo del Soberano made international news for his pandemic-related professional pivot to the production of masks, including coverage by BBC, NPR, CNN, and the New York Post