Q: I acquired this mask from a Nepali in India. It is a decorative mask, but very beautiful. I have not encountered another Kali mask like this one. It is hand-carved and hand-painted, and measures roughly 32″ from top to bottom. David, 1710 A: Two years ago (3/26/2018) we posted two traditional Kali masks from the last century. We know that art is beginning to go out of style, but there are still places where masquerade continues to thrive. Many are in India. David has sent a fine example, and I found two others on Google. As folk art continues, notice that it evolves with newer designs and materials. These…
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Gu mask from West Africa
Q: I bought this mask 7 years ago thru a fundraising auction for a cultural organization in So. Calif. The mask was donated to the auction by a member and was described simply as an African mask. My basic research indicates that it may be from the Baule people of the Ivory Coast and is a Mblo or portrait mask. I don’t think it’s very old, possibly less than 40 years. It measures approx. 21″ high and 8″ wide. Can you tell me if it is in fact a Baule Mblo mask? Thanks for your expertise! Scotty, 1709 A: You are almost right. The Baule and Guro people are located…
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Repros of ancient masks
Reproductions of old masks that were actually worn in theater performances (or copied by ancient Romans over 2000 years ago) are available for very little cost. Different characters, gods and Roman emperors are made by skilled commercial artists around the world. I think that anyone who enjoys this site should have at least one of these affordable sculptures on a wall in their home. My good friend, who is a retired classics professor, believes the two masks shown here are poor reproductions. I think they are still quite decorative, but if you are a classics scholar, search more carefully than I did. C
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More about repros
Q: I bought the mask in an small antique book shop off of Piazza Navona, Rome, in 2016. I paid 100 Euro for it. The store attendant did not speak much English but I got the impression the mask was there for a long time. I liked it as it was reminiscent of a Javanese Monkey mask circa 1920 that I already owned… something about the eyes. The mustache is made of some kind of hair. It is light weight wood and the circle around the nose looks less like a break than paint chipping, but I can’t be sure. I collect but more for enjoyment then anything else. I…
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Babanki elephant mask from Cameroon
Q: I purchased this mask about 11 years ago while on a study abroad trip in South Africa. Specifically, it was purchased in a shop that dealt in mask. I believe the town was just north of Johannesburg. I’m not sure exactly how much I payed but probably in the neighborhood of $100US. The shop included a label on the back stating it origin (Guru tribe of Ivory Coast) and purpose (royal mask- “A symbol of power for the king exclusively”). It also noted the age to be around 80 years. I don’t know how much of this is accurate. The mask is made of wood and measures approximately 31…
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Bulbous-nosed Asian mask
I have searched for a mask like this one to no avail. One of my very-knowledgeable friends can only say that it is probably Asian. I agree, but hopefully some of our viewers can help a little more! Our mysterious Asian measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. The pictures were taken at angles that make the mask look wider than it is. Not that this is important, but I couldn’t help but noticed how much this mask had been fussed over. Years ago collectors would fix up old, dirty-looking masks to make them more prestigious and “museum-like.” Some of those masks were authentic and came with reliable provenance. Nowadays we would…
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Patzcar mask from central Guatemala
Q: I just received this mask and would like to find out the country of origin. It is painted carved wood and comes from a design shop in San Francisco which is closed right now due to the pandemic. I believe it is newish–looks that way. Originally (in the shop) it was priced at $350. It has a level of refinement that doesn’t really show in the photo. I’m thinking it is from either Spain or Mexico but am uncertain. Scotty, 1704 A: Your mask comes from the mountainous area of Baja Verapaz in the center of this small country south of Mexico. Patzcar is an old dance drama that…
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Authentic Mexican devil mask
Q: I’m not sure what we are going to do with the collection yet. We are trying to get them identified and appraised. I’ll look to see if there’s any paperwork on any of them. Jodie, 1703 A: A red devil with horns is one of the most common characters in masquerades all over Mexico. Though quickly made by a carver with limited training, this mask has lots of personality. It has also been danced a number of times in Zampango, Guerrero, and is now about 70 years old. Usage in culture, rather than for sale to tourists and artificially aged to increase value, this mask is more desirable to…
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Paintball protective mask
This is a Flex 8 Goggle system that offers integrated vents on the jaw that have been strategically designed to encourage deflections and bounces. Features include… Spectra Lens offering 260° field of vision Dual Pane Thermal Lens Dual Fusion Co-molding technology creates this unique venting system Smaller profile to encourage deflections and bounces Includes removable visor Accepts Vortex 2 fan system You can buy different kinds of paintball masks (new and used) for little money. This is true of many other kinds of protective masks for goalies, soldiers, wrestlers, sword fighters, divers, firemen, etc. Sometimes there are older versions that look much different and can be very desirable to serious…
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Decorative Day-of-the-Dead mask
If this mask was actually used on an offering table, in a dance or ceremony, it would be considered authentic. This is often the the case with Mexican masks because the village carvers usually sell their extra masks to tourist and shop keepers. Some of you know I have long been a big fan of Mexican masks. Whether the carver is a well-trained professional or a part-timer in a country village, they like to express themselves. This guy wants to have a little fun with his quickly carved skull. The next one he makes may be quite different. But he always is expressing his feelings. Cultural traditions are often followed,…
