Every Ash Wednesday, I find myself thinking about an Ash Wednesday mask. They evolve over time. I've made one in a talisman size -- small enough to be cupped in a palm. And I've made a full-size mask in the same edition. I rubbed those two masks with red dirt for color and patina. Then I rubbed ashes into the cracks and hollows, and marked a cross in ash on the foreheads.
This year, I imagined a mask made like the others, but with a new aspect. The inside surface of the mask will be encrusted with milagros, so that you discover them if you pick up the mask and turn it over.
Usually, my rule about masks is that they must be wearable, not just objects for display. This mask would be difficult to wear, although I suppose it would be possible.
