The panoramic view may be the first thing you notice when entering the expansive reference floor at the Bronx Library Center. The next thing you may notice is the forty or more computers that fill the room. Of course, the impressive Bronx history and Edgar Allan Poe collections may get your attention as well.

What may not be noticed as readily are the two guardians of the fourth floor—the Vejigante masks. These large folkloric masks were purchased for the Bronx Library Center in Ponce, Puerto Rico and created by renowned artisan Miguel Caraballo, whose work is also at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., and displayed with other American folklore treasures. Caraballo’s Vejigante were purchased to highlight both the Spanish language books on this floor as well as the Coleccion Herencia Puertorriqueña-Puerto Rican Heritage Collection room affectionately called the “cuartito” or little room. 

The tradition of these Vejigante masks dates back to Medieval Spain and represents the warfare against the Moors who were defeated in a battle led by Saint James. Vejigante masks were used in processions to honor Saint James and later during Carnaval Ponceño, Ponce Carnaval for one week and ending the day before Ash Wednesday.

Vejigante is from the words "vejiga" which means bladder and "gante" which means giant.  Originally the masks were made from inflated sun-dried, cow bladders that were later painted and filled with beans or seeds that rattled. In parades and celebrations they would be used to lightheartedly tap one another while shaking the vejigante.

Vejigante masks have evolved into notable folk art. These papier-mâché masks can vary in size from small to large-scale pieces. The Bronx Library Center’s main piece sits high above the floor and with its large gaping mouth exposing pointy white shark-like teeth—frightening any demon that dares to enter the space. Dozens of yellow, green, red and black horns jut from the mask and have contrasting dots on each one. Each speckled horn is a reminder of the vejigantes' medieval origins and the integral part these masks play today in honoring Saint James’ victory.