Danza de la media luna
Carlos Mérida; F.A.R. Publishers Ltd.
Description
Subject Matter:
This is one of a series of ten prints that depict the traditional dances of México. Mérida was the co-founder of the dance school for the Secretariat of Education (Escuela de la Danza de la Secretaría de Educación Pública), which worked to preserve the native dances of the region. In addition to this set, at this time, he produced a number of series that cataloged the popular arts and industries of Mexico and his native Guatemala.
This scene depicts the "Danza de la media lunda" or the "Dance of the Half Moon." This dance was once featured on a one peso, Mexican air mail stamp. The dance is related to theme of the Christians and the Moors and danced during Holy Week or the feasts of the Apostle Santiago, Corpus Christi, or the Triumph of the Cross.
Physical Description:
Centered on the page, this print shows two figures dressed in long robes. One figure wears a blue robe with maroon circles and the other is the opposite. Each faceless figure, carries a knife in one hand. On their heads are headdresses with a black cap and large white half-moon shape attached. The figures look like they are in motion.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.