Q: I recently acquired a neat mask from an antique sale. It’s quite big, and I believe it’s all one piece of wood. I was told from the seller it was from West Africa, and is Senufo. Just wondering if you might know any more about it and it’s authenticity. Jack, 637 A: This is not a typical Senufo mask. The antelope style is more popular with other cultures in the surrounding areas of Mali and Burkina Faso.
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Bali is hard to beat
Q: My wife and i have been collecting masks and hand carved art mostly from asia for about 20 years. We started when stationed in singapore and found some neat stuff in malaysia, and search out artists/masters when we travel. Found your web site while looking at some balinese mask photos, and i thought i recognized work. If/when you come across some pieces with ‘character’ and/or high quality, i would welcome chance to be on your mailing list. Would be happy to share photos of some of our collection if interested. We are not looking to sell, but have not found many other collectors who recognize quality the way you…
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Who knows this wild man?
Q: I’ve bought this mask at an estate sale in Philly two years ago, as I initially thought it might be a mask of the Iroquois ‘False Face Society’ or from the American North-West Coast. But once I’ve seen a quite similar example on the web I’m inclined to believe it is a mask made for the trade at around the mid 20th century or slightly before. Greetings from Austria, Herb, 635 A: These exciting characters come from somewhere in Indonesia.
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Bottom of the line
Q: A few weeks ago I came home to find this mask sitting on a bench on my carport. I asked my neighbors if they knew any about it. Sadly they did not. I was curious if you could give insight on where is may have originated from as I have nothing to go on. Pete, 634 A: It is the famous Racer mask of the Dan people who live in the Ivory Coast region of West Africa. However, it may have been made somewhere else.
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Antiqued Maiden Spirit mask
Q: This mask confused me because the nobs on the top of his head would indicate Africa but the designs on the cheeks seem to be more Papua New Guinea. It is carved from light wood, completely emptied out with good vision through the eye holes and is 16 inches high. Together this would make it easy to wear. Alice, 633 A: You’ve got a Maiden Spirit mask from the Igbo people of Nigeria, West Africa’s most populated country.
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Stumped again!
Q: Thoughts on this one? I am being told its a 75-100 year old Malinche or dona marina from mexico… the wood type, carving technique on the front, and the shellac all make me think Japan-60-years-old.. little of this says Mexico to me. The glaze seems to be truly of age, with a high patina per the pictures. Not sure I’d feel the same in person. Nate, 632 A: If a serious collector like you is confused, chances are I will be too. I’ve included a picture of the rear because it might help someone else identify the piece. Others should also note that the final coating, whether shellac or…
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Many Japanese masks are for display
Q: Handed down from great, great Japanese grandfather, don’t know history before that. Have matching Buddha face. Made from clay? Approx. 7 ins. Nancy, 631 A: How nice it is to have a handsome piece that used to belong to your grandfather.
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Indian seal mask– maybe
Q: Numerous “experts” have been stumped in regard to the identification of my mask or ‘helmet’ … variously ascribed as Tlingit, Kwakwaka’wakw, Mexican, Guatemalan and Javanese. The oxidation of the wood suggests considerable age … surely more than a century. What do you think? Also, can you recommend someone who can identify the type of wood which may lead to proper identification? Christopher, 630 A: Though I can’t find one that looks like this, I’m pretty sure it’s from the Pacific Northwest.
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Strange but real
Q: Hi, can’t place this one. Family in Africa 1967 on, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt. I think this bought in Ghana from itinerant trader. Maybe Mali, Upper Volta? Thoughts? Sorry I don’t have mask, one one picture. John, 629 A: I’ve never seen anything like this.
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Maori design on masks and tattoos
Q: That would be just fine with me if you post my Maori mask on your blog. I purchased it in 1989 at The Auckland Museum. The mask measures 5 ½ “ x 11 ¼ “. Edward, 628 A: I’ve never had a Maori item on the Mystery Mask blog.
