Q: Attached are the old Lombok masks I told you about. These are from the Sasak people and are probably meant for Topeng dance dramas. One is a Raksa demon, the other I don’t recognize. Aaron, 1060 A: We hardly ever get to see the real masks actually used by the people of Lombok, Indonesia. They are so different from those over-decorated faces the island’s tourist industry produces. A
-
-
Ecuador pig mask
Q: This is another one of the exciting masks Kathleen discovered in the storage unit contents she won at auction early this year. As you can see, her three photos of the pig are quite good. Otherwise, the only thing she could tell me was that the pig’s ears were real. 1059 A: Look at the front, side and rear views of the mask. You can see that it has been used a lot and repainted. Good photography can be so helpful. The Quechua-speaking Indians in the Andes Mountains running through Ecuador have been practicing masquerade for centuries. Their masks are carved out of heavy hardwood and the eye holes…
-
Masks by James Ensor
Although James Ensor (1860-1949) is most well known for his paintings which have influenced both expressionism and surrealism, many of these paintings contain images of masks. Heidi Leitzke, Lancaster’s Public Arts Manager, recently told me this. You can find some beautiful papier mache masks that were made by him. These two are from Google Images. It’s possible that these were modeled after items in the curiosity shop Ensor’s family ran, right beneath his studio. I would also suggest that you read “Chapter 8–Modern America” of Masks of the World by Robert Ibold. Though 74 different masks are pictured and discussed in this chapter, there is one that seems similar to…
-
Portrait of a white man
I bought this mask about 30 years ago. It came without information, but there was no doubt it represented a bearded white man. I was certain it was carved some where in Africa. Since then I have seen others. Two of the best are a Dogon mask on page 72 of Susan Vogel’s Africa Explores, and the one of Elvis Presley in the Brooklyn Museum’s collection. But there are many more and almost all are funny. Have you seen one? 1057 Save Save Save Save Save Save
-
Older Hanhoe mask from Korea
Q: While searching the internet I learned this is a Hanhoe mask from Korea. The face of a Depraved Monk, I would guess. Also attached is a close-up of the back showing Korean writing clear enough to read. Ivan, 1056 A: I always like to get photos of the front, side and rear. In this case, it would also be helpful to get a translation of the writing on the back. It might identify this as a bride’s mask. It is a very popular character and is always carved out of wood with a moving jaw. Most of the other characters (different monks, government officials, etc.) are usually made of…
-
Old Mexican mask
Q: I’m reaching out to you because I recently received four masks as a gift from my uncle who lives in Mexico City and would like to know more about them. They’re thought to be around half a century old, although I must admit I know very little about Mexican folkloric masks and therefore cannot be sure. The photographs I’ve attached are of one that particularly drew my attention, as it is shaped like an eagle, holding a snake’s (I’m assuming) head with a piece of twine in its beak (affixed with a small nail) and is painted in the colors of the Mexican flag. I haven’t seen too many…
-
Street Hockey goalie mask
There are masks that have nothing to do with ritual, ceremony or celebration. One of these categories is protection, and these often scary masks can be great fun to collect. Here we have a old street hockey goalie’s mask. It is made of white, Mylec plastic and has padding, straps and buckles on the rear. Made in Canada, it is the same model worn in the opening scene of the 1996 film Heat. Masks are worn because a speeding puck or out-of-control stick could do serious damage to the face. But there is a secondary reason for the way protective masks are designed. Their appearance can be very intimidating to…
-
Hudoq mask from the Dayak of Borneo
Q: I was living in Malaysia in 1990-91 and purchased a number of masks while there. I know one is a Hurdoq mask I got in Borneo but am not sure about the other masks. I’m interested in finding out what their function is and approximately what they may be worth. Thanks for any help you can provide. I’ve attached pictures of various masks rather than multiple views of a single mask. Michael, 1053 A: Thank you for the Hudoq mask photo. In the Dayak language hudoq means hornbill bird. These famous masks are worn during agricultural ceremonies and to welcome important guests. Like so many ethnographic artifacts from around…
-
Mumuye or Mambila animal mask
Q: Important for me is your opinion of this mask. This is a Mumuye zoomorphic mask from my collection. This mask as you can see is very old with 45 cm height and weight of 1200 grams . I buy before month from a private seller. Negris, 1052 A: It could be a Mumuye vabo or a Mambila suaga mask. Both tribes are fairly close to each other in southern Nigeria or northeast Cameroon. Either way, this is a beautiful West African mask. Though a bit crudely carved, it is unique in both design and color, and would be a nice addition to any serious collection. Unfortunately a museum…
-
Kwakiult mouse mask for Disney
Q: I also have a mask that an Indian tribe in Canada gave Walt Disney. It is really big and there is an engraved plaque stating that it was a gift to Walt. It is mounted on wood. Anne, 1051 A: This could have a lot going for it. Well made NWC native American masks are a favorite of collectors. Ones depicting mice are rare. This particular one was presented to the creator of Mickey Mouse as a gift from the tribe. It could be worth a lot if the quality is good. I wish we had some better photos. Fortunately, you can read the label that was stuck to…
