ICH NGO Network

The First International Meeting of Mask Artists was held in Paucartambo, Cusco, Peru, from July 13 to July 16, 2024, bringing together more than 50 traditional mask artists from Peru and several Latin American countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. The event was organized by the Provincial Municipality of Paucartambo together with local cultural promoters and master mask makers. Its main objective was to preserve, promote, and strengthen the ancestral tradition of mask-making as an essential element of intangible cultural heritage.

05-27-2026

Institutional and human capacities	The event demonstrated strong institutional collaboration between the Municipality of Paucartambo, the Ministry of Culture of Peru, local cultural organizations, and master artisans. Authorities such as the mayor of Paucartambo and representatives from the Ministry of Culture actively supported the initiative through exhibitions, recognitions, cultural programming, and heritage promotion. Human capacities were represented by experienced mask artists, dancers, researchers, and cultural practitioners who shared their technical knowledge, creative processes, and cultural experiences. The meeting encouraged intergenerational learning and strengthened the professional network of mask makers across Latin America.
Transmission and education	One of the central goals of the meeting was the transmission of ancestral knowledge to younger generations. Through workshops, exhibitions, interviews, and live demonstrations, master artisans taught traditional techniques of mask creation, including sculpting, molding, painting, and symbolic design. The organizers emphasized that mask-making is not learned only in formal art schools, but through community life, cultural participation, and inherited traditions. Artists explained the importance of preserving the identity and symbolism of traditional dances and characters represented in the masks.
Inventorying and research	The meeting contributed to the documentation and research of traditional mask-making practices in Latin America. Researchers and cultural specialists conducted audiovisual and written interviews with artists to record their experiences, techniques, and perspectives on cultural preservation. Paucartambo itself is recognized for having hundreds of traditional mask models connected to local dances and festivities, especially the Festivity of the Virgin of Carmen. This diversity represents an important cultural inventory that reflects the historical memory and artistic identity of the region.
Policies as well as legal and administrative measures	The event highlighted the importance of public cultural policies for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. During the meeting, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture officially reinforced the recognition of the ancestral techniques used in the making of Paucartambo masks as part of the National Cultural Heritage of Peru. Administrative support included the organization of exhibitions, official recognitions, cultural resolutions, and public ceremonies honoring mask artists for their contribution to cultural preservation.
Role of intangible cultural heritage and its safeguarding in society	The meeting demonstrated how mask-making functions as a living expression of collective identity, spirituality, memory, and social cohesion. In Paucartambo, masks are deeply connected to traditional dances, religious celebrations, and community participation during the Festivity of the Virgin of Carmen. Safeguarding these traditions helps communities preserve their cultural identity while promoting intercultural dialogue between countries. Artists emphasized that protecting heritage means maintaining both the symbolic essence of traditional masks and the knowledge passed down through generations.
Awareness raising	The international meeting increased public awareness about the cultural value of traditional mask-making. The event attracted visitors, tourists, researchers, artists, and media attention from Peru and abroad. Large exhibitions, including a giant “Saqra” mask inspired by the traditional dance of Paucartambo, became important cultural attractions. Cultural performances, poetry, music, and dance presentations also helped educate audiences about the diversity of Latin American mask traditions and their social significance.
Engagement of communities, groups and individuals as well as other stakeholders	The meeting was highly participatory and involved local communities, dancers, artisans, cultural associations, researchers, government institutions, and international guests. Local residents of Paucartambo actively participated in exhibitions and celebrations connected to the festival traditions. Master mask artists played a central role as cultural bearers, sharing their knowledge directly with the public and with younger artisans. International participation strengthened solidarity and collaboration among Latin American cultural communities.
International engagement	The event strengthened international cultural cooperation by connecting artists and traditions from across Latin America. Participants exchanged artistic techniques, safeguarding experiences, and cultural perspectives related to intangible heritage. Organizers also expressed the intention to create an international network or organization of mask artists that could continue promoting exchanges, festivals, and collaborative preservation projects beyond national borders. The First International Meeting of Mask Artists positioned Paucartambo as an important cultural center for the preservation and international promotion of traditional mask-making heritage.
References	https://www.gob.pe/institucion/munipaucartambo/noticias/1001208-primer-encuentro-internacional-de-artistas-mascareros-paucartambo-2024?utm_source= https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=9895028&utm_source= https://www.gob.pe/institucion/munipaucartambo/noticias/1005116-reconocimiento-a-los-artistas-mascareros-en-paucartambo?utm_source=

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