Masks
Eduardo Borja
Ecuador

There is something forbidding about this scene. The many bright colors and angular movements of the exquisitely crafted-paper cut figures betray – at first glance – an unusual degree of activity, an almost joyful busyness in tending to the many needs of Mother Earth. But look at their heads with their immobile faces and flat hat tops. They all look alike: faces that are no real faces but wooden masks as impassive and impenetrable as their hats are dull and without flourish. All at once we realize that these are marionettes, puppets on a string, obeying orders given by an invisible puppeteer. Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for the great event will not be able to avoid this "Brave New World." Dressed like mourners they know only too well that their passage will make no waves; it will not stop the mechanisms of mindless bustle – or will it? There is one sign of sure hope. At the other end of the grueling scene two animals, ox and donkey, lie in waiting. Faithful companions of the Christ child from the beginning of Christmas lore on, they will provide attention and warmth that humans are not always ready to give.