Q: This Bolivian mask represents a character from the Diablada known as a “Maligno” or “Demonio.” It was made in La Paz, but it was probably used in the Oruro carnival. It’s composed of linen covered in plaster, then painted. The details such as the lizard on the head are mostly plaster, but there are solid wood anchors for the horns (which are removable). The eyes are hand-painted glass, and the front teeth are probably sheep’s teeth. I’m not sure what the eyelashes are made from. The mask dates to the 1960s. Aaron, 1121 A: Once again Aaron shares with us a fine example of traditional masquerade. This is the…
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The big bearded Mexican
Q: Hello and thank you for making contact available. Attached are three images of a mask that I have had for many decades. I bought it as a Spanish Barbone and know little else about it except that it is old and wonderful. Your perspective would be appreciated. Andrea,1120 A: The Barbone has been a popular tourist mask in Mexico for many years. And why not? That big, stylish beard is absolutely gorgeous. It has also been a subject of controversy. Some time ago these masks were thought to be historically important artifacts worth lots of money. Now we know they came from a workshop in Guerrero and were intended…
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Charming old Mexican mask
Q: I am a small time collector and acquired this mask about 20 years ago from an antique mall in Phoenix, AZ. I do not remember the exact amount I paid but it was somewhere around $50, which I recall being a real stretch for me! The mask is approx 5.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide. I have always wondered whether this mask was actually used and, if so, where it came from. Even if it turns out that this guy was made as tourist fodder it still remains the favorite in my small collection. Eric, 1119 A: I too love Mexican masks, and this appears to be a…
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Dan bird mask
Q: I picked this mask up recently. It was just too interesting to pass up. After looking around a bit I really can’t find much information other than it’s possibly a Dan mask from Africa. It measures approximately 17″ long x 7″ wide. Any information would be appreciated. Todd, 1118 A: The masks of the Dan culture of Liberia and Ivory Coast are among the most easily recognized of Africa. The forehead and round eyes remind you of their Deangle masks, but this bird mask has a huge beak that sets it apart. Occasionally we see other animal masks used by the Dan that represent monkeys and crocodiles. I believe…
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Rare Oceanic Mask
A choice example of Oceanic art has been added to the collection at the Toledo Museum of Art. Purchased at Christie’s, the mask is one of four known distinguished examples from Saibai Island in the Torres Straits north of Australia. Masks in this style are called “mawa,” meaning “face,” and are believed to represent mythical heroes whose appearances signal important events and rites of passage. There are only three other examples in this style, two in the Australian Museum in Sydney and one in Barbier Mueller Museum in Geneva, Switzerland. I posted this as a reminder of the wonderful masks you can see in museums. You can also purchase Oceanic…
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Another Mexican Devil mask
Q: The mask with the horns is approximately 12×10 inches. The other that has folding flaps is approximately 15×15 inches. Any information about these would be appreciated. Ryan, 1116 A: I decided to post your you mask because we had a Guatemalan Devil yesterday and one from another part of Mexico the day before that. Look at how different these 3 Diablos are. Yours is from the state of Guanajuato and is made to be used in the Pastorela dance which has 7 different Diablos representing the seven deadly sins. Please resubmit the other mask in a few weeks because we can only publish one mystery mask at a time…
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Cheap Balinese tourist mask from 1960’s
Q: This is one of three masks my parents bought on a trip to Indonesia in the 1960s. I’m pretty sure they bought them on Bali. They were there with the Washington State Wheat Commission. I don’t know how much they paid but I’m sure not much. I have looked at images online and have not seen much that looks like my masks so I was hoping you might know something about them. I have read some of your other posts so I understand they might not have value. I just like them and would like to have some background if you have any to offer. Noreen, 1115 A: I…
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Devil mask from Guatemala
Q: I know that this mask is at least 55 years old. My mother bought it sometime around 55 or 60 years ago. I do not know if it was new or used when she purchased it. Was wondering approximate value and where from, although it is not for sale. Pat, 1114 A: Devil masks have been gaining popularity in Guatemalan dances ever since Catholic priests started introducing them hundreds of years ago. Hanging out with with the dreaded coral snake would be a Mayan addition. This mask has glass eyes, snakes and wood horns that can be removed. It was made for sale to tourists. If it was for…
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African iron mask
Q: I found this picture online. I saw a similar piece in an auction. The expert talked about a Senufo death mask. Could you let me know your opinion about the origin of this kind of mask? Nicolas, 1113 A: I’ve never heard of a Senufo death mask, however there are masks similar to this made by the Bamana and Dogon people of Mali. Their blacksmiths would do the smelting to get the iron from the ore, then heat and hammer out both the tools, weapons and the important ritual objects used in the culture. I know nothing about the usage of iron masks. Perhaps most of them are for…
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Unique Mexican Devil Mask
Q: I have some wood masks that my father had purchased over the years, I believe predominantly in Mexico. I wondered if they have any value, and if you would be interested in purchasing if they do? Robin, 1112 A: Just looked at your Mexican masks again and realized that this one is pretty nice. It’s a Diablo that in many ways is traditional in style and symbolism, but I can’t identify where in the country it is from. If we new, it would have some value. Though it is not clear in your small photos, the mask may have been used in performance. The Devil is an important character…
