Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona

Miss Mae tells us about the enchanted Yaqui Flower World.

The Flower World

Miss Mae tells us about some Yaqui traditions and what happened to the Yaqui when the Spanish arrived, and later under the Mexican government.

Yaqui Traditions and Colonization

Miss Mae teaches us about the Hiak Pahko ceremony.

Hiak Pahko

Miss Mae tells us about the story of the Talking Tree and it’s prophecy for the future of the Yaqui.

The Talking Tree and the Surem

Miss Mae introduces us to the Pascua Yaqui people and where they live. 

Introduction to the Pascua Yaqui

Miss Mae teaches us about Pascola Masks and the symbolism on them.

Pascola Masks

Meet your tour guide, Miss Mae, to discuss anthropology and culture, research and the scientific process, and Native Nations of Arizona to prepare for your virtual Muse2You exhibit tour about the O'odham. 

What is Anthropology?

Miss Mae introduces you to Pascua Yaqui history and culture on this virtual exhibit tour at the Arizona State Museum.

ASM Muse2You Paths of Life video tours created by Larea Lewis and produced by Larea Lewis and Lisa Falk, 2021. Museums for Digital Learning ASM Paths of Life resource kits produced by Sarah Willwater and Lisa Falk, 2022.

Paths of Life Tour: The Pascua Yaqui, an Indigenous Nation in Arizona and Mexico

Civics and Government

Social Studies

Geography

U.S. History

World History

Writing: History/Social Studies

English Language Arts

Visual Arts

The Arts

Spanish

World Languages

What are some of the symbols painted on the Pascola masks and what do they represent?

What colors are Pascola masks painted and what do they symbolize?

Move around and zoom in to explore the symbols on Pascola Masks

Masks are usually painted black, with red and white highlights, and each color has significance. Crosses of different types are carved or painted onto the foreheads for protection against evil spirits. 

"Masks for dancing must have crosses. All [parts of the fiesta including the masks]are prayers. All ceremonial work must be done correctly, or at the conclusion of the fiesta the performers will not have a good heart and the blessings will not work."  --Yaqui Pascola, Sonora

The next slides show how masks are made and some finished masks. See how many of these symbols you can find in the photos.

Carvers use a variety of woods for the masks, which are then painted. The hair—cow, horse, or goat—is inserted into holes and either glued, pegged, or stitched in place.

Arnulfo Yocupicio uses a machete to rough out a pascola mask. Masiaca, Sonora, Mexico. Jannelle Weakly, photographer, 2006. 

Yaqui mask maker, Julian Morillo, drills holes for the brow hair above the eyes.  Tucson, AZ. Helga Teiwes, photographer, 1985, ASM C-20940.

Julian uses a pen knife to cut a hole for the nostril. 

Helga Teiwes, photographer, 1985, ASM C-20945.

Alejo Bacasewa showing how he inserts horse hair for the Pascola mask beard. He tied a knot in a section of hair then put a small thin wire behind the knot to pull it through the holes from back to front. The holes were burned in. The hair inside would be cut short. 

At Alejo's home in Camahuiroa, Sonora, Mexico. 

Alejo Bacasewa, Mayo, with an unfinished Pascola mask. The mask is one of just two he made, both in the previous year. The beard and hair are horsehair, the wood 

, elephant tree). Alejo was not a Pascola dancer. 

At his home in Camahuiroa, Sonora, Mexico. 

"Today aside from the more colorful masks you see, they are starting to make new figures such as clowns, caballos, rooster." --Yaqui Pascola, Mexico

Arnulfo Yocupicio with a lion mask he carved.

Gift of Drylands Institute, Richard Felger, Director, 2006

Cottonwood root, horse hair, tissue paper

Gift of Lisa Painter, from Estate of Muriel T. Painter, 1986

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Paths of Life Tour: The Pascua Yaqui, an Indigenous Nation in Arizona and Mexico

Pascola Masks

Discussion Questions