Felipe is from the village of Tocuaro, in the Mexican state of Michoacan, where, at age 12, he began learning the art of mask making from his father, noted mask maker Eustacio Horta Castillo.

The masks, which are meant to be worn, are an essential part of Felipe’s cultural and family heritage and remain a part of special village celebrations, including El Dia de la Candelaria (Christmas Day) and the Pastorela, celebrated by a group of dancers who wind their way through the streets.

The dancers wear masks representing three devils, Archangel Michael, a hermit and shepherds in a classic story of good triumphing over evil as the devils try to tempt the shepherds and are thwarted by the hermit and Archangel Michael.

Felipe, whose work is represented by Mexico by Hand, crafts all masks by hand, first using a machete to split a log before employing various knives, chisels and gouges to work out the features of the mask, which are often painted.

The masks live on in the tradition of the village, expressing the values and ethnic identity of the Purepecha people, highlighted by a collective community enjoyment in recreating historical events.