Q: Just got this mask and have searched 1000’s of pages on the net and cant even find where it may be from please help! Anne, 689
A: Tourist masks (also called decoratives) have been made in Guerrero, Mexico, for more than a 100 years. They’re always antiqued to look old and used. By the 1960’s their designs were getting more elaborate and experimental. I have never seen one like yours and may not ever again. They still appeal to certain types of art collectors. Perhaps you would like to go this route, but be careful not to pay too much money for them. They don’t hold their value well.
Tourist masks can be fine for wall decoration. But real masks– the ones that are actually worn in native cultures– are often better looking and always more interesting. I suggest that you start exploring the field by visiting MasksoftheWorld.com and other tribal art dealers. Feel free to ask questions anytime. We want you to be part of our favorite hobby and to get the most out of it you possibly can. C
