Q: I purchased these 3 masks at an auction last night. They were listed as African Masks. I don’t think that is correct but don’t know where they might have originated. Can you provide any info? Many thanks for your help. Joe, 769 A: This is a better-than-average decorative mask made for the tourist trade.
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Classic Mexican Moor mask
Q: I have an old mask from Guerrero. How can I have it appraised? Karen, 768 A: Your mask could be from the state of Guerrero, or the neighboring state of Mexico, which surrounds Mexico City. It is a classic Moor mask from the dance of the Moors and Christians, which is performed a lot in these areas.
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Mask from the Congo
Q: I found this mask yesterday at a thrift store here in Maryland. I think it’s African and possibly from the Chokwe people. Would you be so kind as to take a look at the attached photos and let me know. It’s 7″ L (9″ including the hanging material) and 4 1/2″ W at the widest section. The nails are rusted, and the cloth around the top and side is worn. But, of course, that may not mean very much regarding age and a “tourist” sale. If you’re unable to help, would you let me know as soon as possible so I can seek another source? Incidentally, it looks like…
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Traditional Sri Lankan mask
Q: Here is another mask I just acquired. Any ideas on where it is from. Jim, 766 A: It’s from the island nation of Sri Lanka, just off the southern tip of India. They still have a tradition of masquerade there that is alive and well. If you go to the Indian & Himalayas section of my website you can see and read about several of these character masks. https://dev.masksoftheworld.com/masks/himalayas/ B
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Decorative Guro mask
Q: I purchased this mask I believe in 1998 from a gallery (now closed) in Beverly Hills, CA called “Mozambique by Design.” At the time a certificate of authenticity and some history was provided in paperwork, but it has since been misplaced. I believe this is an ivory coast mask made of wood. Do you have any further details on it? The mask wasn’t cheap when I bought it! William, 765 A: This is a decorative Guro mask from Ivory Coast, far away from Mozambique. For a number of years skilled Guro carvers have been making beautiful and very creative pieces like this for the collector market.
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Art of the Fang people
Q: I bought this mask at Marrakesh, in a shop full of articles of South-Saharian Africa: Benin bronzes, Dogon windows, Igbo, Fang or Punu masks… even some python or leopard skins. I bought this one at the same time I bought a fang mask but I don’t know who made this one. Josema, 764 A: It seems to be a Fang also, but simply and quickly made. The design is great… and I think most collectors would enjoy seeing it on their wall. It looks so West African.
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The famous dollar mask
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that the maker of this unusual mask is a neighbor of mine whom I admire and whose work I will unashamedly promote. The artist is Mark Wagner and he has become well known in the world of fine art for his collages crafted out of US currency– specifically the one dollar bill featuring The Father of Our Country, missing in this case. I think you’ll enjoy seeing more of his art at http://markwagnerinc.com/
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Mexican mask made of copper
Q: Purchased at a swap meet in Texas. Material seems to be copper with remnants of a cloth mesh backing. Was told it was African, but no real idea. LG, 762 A: Your mask comes from just south of the border in La Parota, Guerrero. Masks like this were made for tourists visiting the mountains of Northeastern Guerrero since the early days. In 1981 a book called Mexican Masks was published and the author, Donald Cordry, said these large beaten-metal masks were used many years ago in a Rain-Petitioning Dance, but most collectors today know they are strictly decorative. They are attractive and some still show up in museums and…
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Yellow Guatemalan mask
Q: I wonder if you could tell me anything about this mask. I purchased it at auction in a small town near Ottawa, Canada. It was described as a Victorian Carnival Mask. Thanks for your time, Rod, 761 A: The best I can do is tell you it is probably from Guatemala. I have no idea what the character is or what part of the country it comes from.
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Iroquois whistler mask
Q: I have attached 3 items and am interested in the name, age and what country each of them are from. Thank you. John, 760 A: This is a “Whistler” made in the style of the Iroquois False Face Society masks that have been used by Indians in the Northeastern part of America for many years. You can still buy new ones, as well as other styles, at many reservation tourist shops.
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