Chinelos Tepoztlan (from the series 'Pesonajes de Morelos, Mexico')

Sergio Sanchez Santamaria

Two costumed figures dance to the drumbeat during Carnival in Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. The performers are referred to as Chinelos based upon the homemade Chinelo which consists of an elegant velvet tunic, usually black, red, or dark green, trimmed with lace or rabbit fur. Their conical hats have hand-embroidered decorations with sequins, beads, flowers, or animals that represent the neighborhood of Tepoztlán. The hat is further embellished with strings of plastic pearls that hang around the brim and topped by ostrich feathers. A bandana is used to cover the head and white gloves are worn. The Chinelos wear masks with pointed beards and clear eyes which reflect the origin of the dance which makes fun of the Spanish landowners who forbid the Mexican population from participating in their parties before Holy Week. These masks are made of wire cloth, painted mostly white with red cheeks, and the stiff, upturned beard is beef hair.