You can see this same mask (before the beetles struck) on page 130 of the new book, Masks of the World, by Ibold and Yohn. It is a deer mask from Oaxaca, Mexico. This style of mask has been danced by villagers for well over a hundred years. This one is 13 inches high and made of wood, deer skin and horns. It was collected in the 1960’s.
Recently after being stored in my basement, I noticed that the dreaded beetles had been doing their nasty work on this beautiful mask! The nose area was the most damaged. So after the beetles were killed I was forced to do some repairs. You’ll be able to see what I did if you look closely at this photo.
I hope you never encounter powderpost beetles. But if you see deep little holes in the wood surface of a mask, with fine wood powder coming out, you’re in trouble ! I immediately put the mask in my freezer for a week, take it out, and watch from then on. Occasionally they can come back and you must freeze a 2nd time. You can get more info and pictures by going to Google.
