In the historic neighborhood of La Loma Grande, Alberto shapes faces that carry centuries of meaning.

He is among the last traditional mascarero of Quito who continues to work according to ancestral methods. Paper, natural fibers, and layered adhesives build form gradually, painting requires patience and symbolic understanding.

Mask-making in Quito historically supported religious festivals such as Corpus Christi and neighborhood celebrations where characters represent satire, devotion, and social commentary. Each expression holds a heavy narrative weight.

Alberto learned the craft within his family workshop, where techniques were taught generation after generation. Knowledge included material preparation, pigment mixing, and the cultural significance behind each design. Over time, industrial replicas entered the market. Handmade production declined.

His decision to continue working traditionally reflects commitment. Every mask he produces carries subtle irregularities that confirm human authorship. The texture, weight, and balance differ from mass-produced versions.

Mask-making in Quito survives because of individuals like him. Cultural preservation often depends on one person deciding that tradition matters enough to sustain.