Accession Number1944.2
TitleDanza de la media luna
Artist(s)Carlos MéridaArtist NationalityGuatemalanObject Creation Datecirca 1937-1939Medium & Supportlithograph on paperDimensions 16 7/8 in x 12 1/2 in (42.86 cm x 31.75 cm)
Credit LineMuseum PurchaseSubject matterThis 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 DescriptionCentered 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.
Primary Object ClassificationPrintCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Mexico
Puebla
crescents (motifs)
dancers
folk dances
modern and contemporary art
moons
swords