Q: I collect masks from countries I visit and have a small collection of 9 at the moment (and hopefully growing). However, my Nan volunteers at a British Heart Foundation shop and had a wooden mask bought in and has got it for me. I usually like to know where the masks are from. Would there be any way for me to find out where this one is from? Sophie, 789 A: That’s what we’re here for. Learning about the mask increases the pleasure of collecting.
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Lipiko mask from the Makonde
The famous Lipiko mask from the Makonde people projects a kind of stylized realism that is unique in African masks. This is a plain one without scarification or applied hair, but with an especially strong and well executed form. From a purely sculptural standpoint, it doesn’t get much better than this. The mask, which slips completely over the dancers head and rests on the shoulders, is about 12 inches deep.
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Especially colorful Hanhoe mask
Q: This Asian mask was given to me by a student about 15 years ago. She was Japanese-Korean and the bride of a Vietnamese soldier. That is about all I know. I am moving to Hawaii this Fall and am trying to downsize. Thank you for your assistance. Janis, 787 A: This is a Hanhoe mask from the Gyeongsangbuk province of South Korea.
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Mbuya mask from the DRC
Q: I just acquired this mask at an estate sale. It is made of very lightweight wood and appears to be quite old. There is also a kind of fabric made from woven grass attached to the top and lower parts of the mask. The mask measures 11″ x 11″ (including fabric) or 7″ x 7″ (wooden part only) with a 5.5″ depth. Any information you can provide would be much appreciated. Simon, 786 A: The Pende are an important culture that has produced a wide range of masks and other sculptures.
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NWC raven mask, sort of
Q: I have always been interested in African masks but thought this may be a Haida or Tlingit raven mask. I’m just guessing. Is it old or a reproduction? There is a name written inside. I’m not sure but it looks like “Rovea Tona.” Emily, 785 A: It is a reproduction of a Northwest Coast Indian raven mask as you said, but serious collectors prefer the masks made by Native American carvers.
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Souvenirs vs. Traditional Art
Q: Another mask I found recently. I don’t know anything about it other than it is sand cast metal, I believe. Dee, 784 A: You can see a similar African mask that I posted Feb 8. Your mask is also called a Kpelie and comes from the Senufo people of Ivory Coast. These refined face masks represent women, are danced by men, and are usually associated with the Poro association. Called Beautiful Lady or Kpelie, they come with many variations, with rich and complex symbolism. At that time I went on to say, “Yours is especially nice. It’s designed very well and is carefully carved.”
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Excellent mask from New Guinea
Q: I just bought this at auction but know nothing about it. Any ideas about it would be appreciated. I’m interested in starting a small collection of masks. Steve, 783 A: This would be an excellent start to a collection. It is a very well made example of an ancestor mask from the Lower Sepic River area of Papua New Guinea.
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Venetian bird mask
Sometimes I’ll show a mask I used to own because they represent cultures we don’t see much on the Mystery Mask blog. Call it a change of pace. This one is European, a classic carnival mask made of papier mache from Venice . Signed by the artist “Barbare” on the rear. An almost identical mask is illustrated in the book, “Masks from Around the World.” This one is a used mask with quite a few chips in the paint and some large repairs. I suspect the wearer may have fallen down a few times. In my opinion, the repairs make for a good story and do not distract much from…
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Warlike Guere/We mask
Q: Here’s a wooden mask that my father acquired in Ivory Coast somewhere around 1975. It’s probably from the Guiglo region, in the southwest of the country. He bought it from someone there, and I’m very curious about its originality and possibly if you know anything more about its function or meaning. As a frequent visitor of your website and mask enthusiast/collector I was hoping you might be able to tell me something more about it! Sven, 781 A: The Guere people (also called the We) are the dominant ethnic group in that area.
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Why Mexican masks are so much fun
Q: I am a bit embarrassed to say it, but I keep wavering on whether this mask is Guatemalan or Mexican. Thoughts? What about it strikes you as the most obvious indicator of one vs the other? (I then asked about the aluminum foil.) At first glance, I was thinking it was more than likely HVAC duct tape. Although the yellow portions make me re-think that as I cant imagine a yellow duct tape being produced for that purpose. Nate, 780 A: (A friend said this.) It would appear to be a Diablo mask from the Mexican state of Guerrero.
