Q: This Noh mask is made up of layers– the back is black lacquer, then white gesso, and finally a brown fibrous material. 21cm tall. Any idea of it’s age, what character it represents? Rho, 530 A: The Noh theater tradition goes way back.
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We’ve never seen this one
Q: I found your website and want to know more about this mask. I have had a few others but can’t find this one anywhere. Wayne, 529 A: Any helpful comments will be appreciated. The Mask Man knows a little bit about a lot of cultures, however, not all of them. Is that a cobra on the forehead? What about the pointed eyes, weird nose, and cleft upper lip?
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It looks authentic to me
Q: I was wondering what you thought of the attached. It is allegedly a Borneo Dayak mask from the 1940s, acquired by a WWII veteran. It looks authentic to me, but I was wondering if you had an opinion. Aaron, 528 A: It looks authentic (old and used) to me as well. But a seller saying it was brought back by a WWII vet is not provenance that buyers will believe. You need documents such as a letter from the South Pacific, an old snap shot, names and addresses of owner(s).
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Wish I knew more about this Mexican
Q: Sticker says Oaxaca, but the Oaxacan masks I have seen are very brightly colored. It also has three strips of what appears to be embossed snake skin. Stephanie, 527 A: I’ve seen masks like this before, but
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How good is this Iroquois mask?
Q: The source identified it as “Iroquois Blind Man” mask. I wonder if you have any additional insight on it? Paul, 525 A: They have been selling these in reservation souvenir shops for many years.
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Classic mask from the Sepik River area
Q: Can you tell me more about this mask from PNG? Julie, 522 A: It is a classic mask from the Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea.
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Excellent carving with fine details
Q: I was told this was a protective mask. Almost 2-ft high. Caitilin, 523 A: This is a high-end tourist mask from Tibet or Nepal.
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Day of the Dead usually means decorative
Q: I was told this is a Mexican Day of the Dead mask. The rarity, quality and looks have me stumped. Nathan, 524 A: It’s a Guerrero-type face with horns and decoration more common to other states.
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This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali
Q: This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali by myself. How could I best sell it? Kerri, 521 A: The big and very colorful Rangda dance mask is quite popular in the West as wall art.
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Ibo, Igbo or Igala from Nigeria
Q: I won this at a Harrisburg, PA auction of collectibles the ex-mayor bought with city funds for a proposed tourist attraction. The Harrisburg mayor also used the city funds to buy some African and Pre-Columbian items. 25 inches tall, flecked with gold paint mostly worn off, there is also braided rope which is in good shape and the three braids are covered at the ends with roughly 10 inch pieces of leather. I don’t know if this mask was made for market, or even if it’s really from Africa (the auction info consisted solely of the description “African Carved Helmet Mask”. At the price I paid, though ($125.), I feel that even if it’s…
