make up one of the largest collections at the Museum of Discovery. Many masks feature animals and are of the type frequently used in festivals, but may also be used to tell stories and recount history. Religion also plays a major role in the making of masks, which are used as both realistic and mythical symbols.

Janus Helmet, or Man/Bat Mask
circa 1950
El Limon Tribe                         
Guerrero, Mexico

This helmet is used for the Bat Dance. One of the themes represented is the conflict between man and animal as well as good and evil. Bats are one of the animals commonly portrayed in sacred art forms such as masks.