Q: I just found this mask at an estate sale. I have no information about it and cannot find anything similar online. I’m speculating that it is old and authentic. Any information would be immensely helpful in appraising it. Lori, 661
A: It is common for people to speculate that a carved wood mask may have considerable monetary value.
Though very few make much money doing this, it is a nice way to acquire attractive wall art for the house. You have found a Mexican decorative on which the back has been darkened to look old and used. “Decorative” is the word to describe Mexican masks made for the tourist trade and folk art collectors. They are not used for village dances. As you can see, they are often quite nice, though not authentic artifacts. C
