House of Masks (Casa de la Mascaras)

The state of Guerrero is best known within Mexico for its hand-carved wooden masks, which you can see at  the House of Masks - or Casa de la Mascara. Some are left nude, but most are elaborately painted, in accordance with an annual calendar of traditional dances and fiestas of which they are an intimate part.
Some are based on indigenous traditions, depicting jaguars, deer, skeletons, and many other characters from Aztec and Olmec mythology. Others seem to reflect some synthesis of these American traditions with those of the conquistadors, such masks used in the "Christians and Moors" dance, which depicts the centuries of conflict between Christian and Muslim Spaniards. The museum is small, but interesting, and well worth a stop.

Practical Info

Located on the west end of Acapulco's main beaches, close to the Fuerte de San Diego, the House of Masks (Casa de la Mascara) is a convenient and rewarding stop. Though the small museum, tucked away in a converted family home, is free, donations are gratefully accepted.