Q: Hello Bob, although this mask isn’t mine, my friend would like to know what it is and where it originated. He got it at an auction in London for $200. It seems to be leather with chain-mail. If anyone knows the answer, it’s you! Thanks, Aiden, 1070 A: This interesting piece of facial armor could come from anywhere in the UK, US or Europe. It is a true mask in that it is worn for a specific purpose. People make or buy these masks for medieval reenactment and possibly some steampunk events. In case you don’t know about these modern-day activities, please Google LARP (Live Action Role Playing),…
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It’s Krampus time in Austria
Troy just sent me this link. The article describes an important Christmas time festivity in the Alps and contains some wonderful photos taken on the village street. I loved looking at them. Hope you do too. http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-to-blend-in-at-an-alpine-krampus-parade
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Cherokee booger mask
Q: I recently purchased this mask from a gallery in Rhode Island for $120, and was wondering if it hints as Native American and if so what tribe? Aaron (not the collector), 1069 A: This looks like a mask carved by Will West Long. He was born in the remote western North Carolina community of Big Cove. For almost 30 years, Long served on Tribal Council, where he was instrumental in establishing the Cherokee Indian Fair, among other accomplishments. A good wood carver and mask maker, Long died in 1947. The Booger Dance is a traditional dance of the Cherokee tribe, performed with ritual masks. It is performed at night…
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Ekoi animal skin masks
The Ekoi-speaking peoples (also called Ejagham) are best known for their large, skin-covered masks, which may have one, two or even three faces, and for their smaller headpieces, which represent a head or an entire figure. In the old days human skin was said to be used by the Leopard Society members who used the masks in their rituals. These skin-covered helmet-masks are unique in Africa. They can only be found in the Cross River region of southeast Nigeria and a part of Cameroon. Unfortunately, we don’t see nice ones like this on the market often. Bob, 1067 Save
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Sad Tecun Uman mask
Q: This mask with a mustache is made from a very heavy type of wood and has two glass eyes. It is almost 9 inches long and 7 1/4 wide. If it interests you to post, feel free to include it on your site. Glenn, 1066 A: Tecun Uman is the famous leader of the Mayan army that almost defeated the Spanish conquerors. General Pedro Alvarado killed him in combat. Wikipedia describes him briefly, but there is much more. If you go to Categories/Guatemala on the right and scroll down to #808 you’ll see a much different version. Neither of these carvings are particularly good, but Tecun Uman would be…
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Mississippian bone gorget
Q: Of course this mask is Inuit and not Cherokee. The fellow I’d mentioned previously, had gotten confused. I’ve not seen one of these masks made with bone, like snow goggles. My guess in age is the 1800’s? Are the line markings on the back suggesting a spirit leaving, through the holes, to the spirit world? I wonder what the markings around the eyes signify. It is 6 1/4″ high. What is your opinion? PJ, 1065 A: Gorgets are a Native American art form of polished, carved shell or bone pendants worn around the neck. The gorgets are frequently engraved, and are sometimes highlighted with pigments or pierced with openings.…
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Long nose mask from Baden-Württemberg
Q: Here are some photos of a “Langnase” carnival mask from Elzach, Germany. This one is not old, but is made for use. Aaron, 1064 A: I just posted a mask from Aaron (actually two from Lombok) a week ago, which means I’m breaking my own rules again. But his acquisitions are always worth sharing with others. This one is great. It looks like it might be a Scaramouch or a Plague Doctor from the famous carnival of Venice, Italy. But instead, it’s from a much different culture in southwest Germany. Save Save Save
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Nice old Mexican man
Q: Per your request are the attached pictures. I don’t know anything further than what was in my ad. Antique, Turn of the Century, circa 1900-1920s Ethnographic, hailing from Mexico Thick patina, multiple layers of paint, quality craftsmanship Made of what appears to be an oversized piece of cedar Depicting a Caucasian Spaniard Larger than most at: 15″ x 8″ x 6 1/2″ in depth I’d love to know the character. The mask is larger than normal, and does have notable holes around the top that indicate something once was attached up there such as hair or otherwise. Nate, 1063 A: Masks like this are hard to find, so it’s great…
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Japanese Iki-Ningyo mask
Q: I first came upon these while researching Noh masks in museums in Europe. I later discovered other examples mostly in association with Asian antique dealers and auction houses. They are frequently identified as “iki-ningyo” masks but are also identified incorrectly as noh or gigaku masks. I have tried to find these same sort of objects in Japan, through Japanese-language google searches and websites. No luck. The closest association (though still quite dissimilar) are iki-ningyo heads. No masks. There is a reference in Alan Scott Pate’s Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo, but I can find no mention of masks. My guess is that these types of works were…
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Little Rangda mask
Q: Can you please tell me something about this mask? It measures 11cm x 11cm, with the fabric tongue adding 20cm extra. It came from the Indonesian family of my wife. Many thanks in advance. Herman, 1061 A: Technically this is not a true mask. It is half the size and was not made to be worn, at least, not on a face. There are no eye holes or straps. We know that some cultures use small “masks” to put on their houses as a protective omen, hang from a belt, tourist souvenir, etc. Do the Balinese people use small Rangdas (a very famous dance drama character) for anything…
