Q: I purchased this basket-woven mask this week at an estate auction in Plainfield, NH, and have no idea of where it is from or its history. Any ideas? Karen, 737
A: At first your woven mask reminded my of a yam ceremony mask from Papua New Guinea, but the structure of the rear looks more like something from central Africa. Perhaps it is a Makishi mask used by the Chokwe people and other tribes in Zambia, admittedly, a very long way from the South Pacific. So once again, the Mask Man is not sure. It is an interesting native mask and I hope someone will help us with a comment.
2 Comments
Karen Didricksen
Hi, after searching, I think I found a mask that is it’s ‘cousin’! It appears that it’s from PNG after all. Didagur , Sepik River area mask? here is web site. Maybe mystery solved!
http://www.lauderandhoward.com.au/shop/view/didagur_woven_mask/1684
Bob Ibold
Karen,
Thanks for the research. I think anyone who follows your link will agree… it is a close match.