Most of the world’s folk art continues to evolve. I asked Aaron about the way Guatemalan masks have changed over the last 35 years. Here is what he said. If anything dramatically illustrates the changing traditions, I’d say it was the convites masks. The convite tradition goes back to medieval Europe and represents a relatively popular celebration of a local saint. I say “popular” in contrast to other dances, which typically involve heavily rehearsed dances by persons who spend quite a lot on buying or renting costumes from a morería. The elaborate costumes and masks for the Baile del Torito or Baile de la Conquista, for example, cost about 3…
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West African masks in use
This photo of Kple Kple and Kpan Pre masked dancers during a Goli performance, Kondeyaokro village, Ivory Coast, was just sent to me by David Norton, the African arts dealer. So I thought I’d share them with you as well. American photographer Eliot Elisofon (1911-1973) spent decades traveling around Africa. A pioneer in color photography, he worked as a color consultant on Hollywood movies and changed Western perceptions of ‘the Dark Continent’ and about African Art with his book Sculpture of Africa 1978 ( http://amzn.to/2iEdUJw) These pictures are from his collection of African masquerades (1942-1972) curated at the National Museum of African Art. See the images here: http://flashbak.com/african-masquerades-incredible-photos-of-tribal-masks-1942-1972-37764/
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Tschäggättä mask from Switzerland
Q: Bob, would you know where I might be able to buy a Tschaggatta mask? Thanks, Bjorn 1078 A: I found this picture on the internet. Located in the Lötschental Valley of Switzerland, the Tschäggättä is probably one of the oddest carnivals there is. When night falls, the oversized masked figures rampage through streets in various villages between the Catholic holiday of Candlemass and Shrove Tuesday. They are not organized in groups and appear unexpectedly as they please. The spectacular and frightening Tschaggatta chase children and spectators alike, and toss soot at unsuspecting victims. A Bjorn, Ask the Maskman is a free service where I try to identify a strange…
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Early firefighters mask
Accidental Mysteries is an online curiosity shop of extraordinary things, mined from the depths of the online world and brought to you each, says Jan Weber on her Pinterest site. It is a firefighter’s respirator mask made in 1918, France, designed and built very well out of brass, leather, mica and rubber. It measures 12″ x 9″ x 10″ I’m sure these protective masks from a 100 years ago were an inspiration for some of the recent steampunk masks. A+
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Mask, hat and costume from Guatemala
Attached is a zip file with photos of the masks I bought in Guatemala, plus one other. It’ll take me a while longer to work up all the photos of the masked dances themselves. Basically, here is what you want for the blog. Moro mask and pasqualillo costume from Chichicastenango, probably dating to the 1950s. Aaron, 1076 Like most collectors, Aaron focuses on masks. The hat, suit and accessories are also important, but they cost extra, often need cleaning or repair, and are difficult to display. Thankfully, he occasionally goes to the trouble. Wouldn’t you love to see this complete costume in the masquerade? Bob
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Panama Diablo mask
Q: I have a mask from Panama which a think is a Diablo Carnival mask which was purchased at the market in Valle de Anton about 4 years ago. I would like to have it appraised and possibly sell it. Thank you, Linda, 1075 A: There are several towns in Panama where fabulous masks, mostly Devils, are paraded at Carnival. They are made by talented artists who work with papier mache and colorful paint. There was always a strong Caribbean influence on these masks as your can see by going to our archives or Google. But this one seems to be more like an Austrian Krampus. I guess the old…
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White-faced African with little beak
Q: Got a lot of old and nice stuff from my father… I found an old African mask from the area of Gabon that’s about a hundred years old. This information is from an expert settled in Vienna, Austria, Dr Erwin Melchardt. I would like to sell the mask to a collector. Moe, 1074 A: I’m not an expert on any of the many cultures around the world that practice masquerade. All I can tell you about this object covered with black paint and white kaolin is that it reminds me of some masks I have seen from West-Central Africa including the Punu in Cameroon, the Yombe in the…
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Even an expert can ask for help
Q: I’m asking for an ethnic ID of this mask. It shows good age and use. It was sold to me on eBay as Ovimbundu by Michel Muhandele who sells as Ebony Tree. He has recently offered Ovimbundu statues that appear authentic. The mask shows Chokwe/Lwena elements like facial cheek markings and the large ‘coiffure.’ But Ovimbundu seems more likely. They are neighbors of the Chokwe in Angola. Comparisons of the mask with Ovimbundu statues and staffs show similar cheek markings. Also similar are the eyes and almost closed mouth. The brownish patina is common in Ovimbundu statues. And there are two buttons embedded in the coiffure, one on each…
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Report from Guatemala
This 50-year-old Pastor mask has been used many times for the Baile de los Pastores in the southwest Guatemala. It’s a rare character in bright red that introduces Chapter 10 of Masks of the World, written by me and Troy Yohn. It’s an excuse to post an exciting report that Aaron sent in today about his travels. Bob, 1072 Hey, Bob, I hope you are well and enjoying the pre-holiday season. I am still in Guatemala, but I thought you’d like to hear about my masking adventures, which will end in 24 hours. In Antigua Guatemala, the tourist capital of the country, I found an antique dealer who…
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Wild Panama Devil mask
Our new book, Masks of the World, is divided into 14 categories of masks. In chapters on Africa, India & Himalayas, East Asia, etc. you can easily picture the area we’re dealing with. Our Caribbean chapter covers a lot more territory than the name implies. I have found that masquerade of the Northern edge of South America and some of Central America is strongly influenced by the Caribbean. And why not? These large areas surrounding the sea are heavily populated by the same African/Spanish/Indian cultures as the islands. This wild and crazy mask is from Portobelo, Panama, which is located on the east shoreline facing the Caribbean Sea. Bob, 1071…
