Artesanías Castor Ayala

Artesanías Castor Ayala Review

Just west of Piñones is the town of Loíza, where you'll find Artesanías Castor Ayala, the place to get your authentic coconut vejigante masks dubbed "Mona Lisas" because of their elongated smiles. Craftsman Raúl Ayala Carrasquillo has been making these pieces for more than 40 years, following in the footsteps of his late father. Collectors prize these wild masks, most with tentacle-like horns. Buyer beware: These masks have been much-copied by other artisans, so look for the signature on the back. His one-room shop, in a shack that was painted yellow many years ago, is on the road between Loíza and Río Grande.