Kendo is one of Japan’s martial arts sports based on the two-handed sword fighting of the samurai. It has evolved into a system of mental and physical training using bamboo sticks. This mask has been worn in many mock fights on the island of Okinawa. Its user would also have been protected by a uniform of quilted cloth panels with a sturdy chest protector and loose pants. What is so interesting about these masks (and those used in other sports) is that they also have the ability to intimidate the opponent. In this way they are not unlike many of the other masks we deal with on this website. 1040
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Famous Comedia del Arte mask
Q: I’ve acquired another mask I thought you’d enjoy. This Brighella, which I know almost nothing about except that it’s leather and at least 25-30 years old. It’s got an elastic strap on the back and was clearly made for use, and is very well done. I wish I knew more about it, e.g., whether it was actually made in Italy or by an Italian-trained artisan. Aaron, 1039 A: This is the third European mask posted in a row, but I think we American collectors tend to prefer African, Oceanic and others cultures while often ignoring Europe. Also, I broke my rule of accepting only one mask per person because…
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Masterpiece from Europe
Q: The Sepp Seidl Krampus mask, the fifth of his I own, is a very special one. It has taken me four years to get him to sell me a mask with the traditional Steinbock horns instead of domestic goat horns, because the Steinbock ones are more expensive and very popular. This mask has been used in several Perchtenlaufen over the years, and still has the plastic helmet inside it. Aaron, 1038 A: We are always pleased when Aaron shares one of his recent acquisitions with us. This mask is made by one of the best makers in the world. Look at the enlarged photo carefully to appreciate the workmanship.…
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Swiss Butzi by Othmar Klauser
Chris sent this in. His description is better than I could do, so here it is. The YouTube link at the end is in German. I which I could understand the old carver. I would like to contribute with a mask which I found some time ago on a local internet platform. I knew instantly that it would be a mask from the area around Sargans, eastern Switzerland, as of its style and the characteristic hood attached to the mask. The previous owner had the (unused) mask in her family for a long time, but she did not know much more about it. I managed to find a carver in…
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Unusual African fish mask
Q: I bought this African mask for 65 Euros. It’s carved in wood, 76cm x 18cm x 15cm height. I was told it was Punu, but i don’t think so. I looked at your precious book and browsed in Internet, and I think it comes from Burkina Faso area. Probably could be Mossi, or Bobo, or Bozo. Can I have your opinion? Many thanks for your answer, and even for sharing your collection by books and website. Stefano, 1036 A: This is a great fish mask meant to be worn on top of the dancer’s head. I immediately went to Ways of the Rivers by Anderson and Peek. It’s about…
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World’s oldest masks displayed
A collection of the world’s oldest masks, dating back to the dawn of civilization, have gone on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The 9,000-year-old stone masks are thought to have been made to resemble the spirits of dead ancestors. They have round holes for eyes, tiny noses and prominent displays of teeth. Experts say they were made in the hills and deserts near Jerusalem and offer a rare glimpse of some of civilization’s first communal rituals. They are thought to have made at a critical turning point that saw the birth of agriculture and the abandonment of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. James Snyder, director of the Israel Museum, said…
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Carved wood Arctic mask
Q: My father recently passed who was an avid collector of Native American pottery, rugs and baskets. These items currently are with Heritage Auction for a sale in November but we found these after those items left for sale. We just want to know if they are “junk” or have real significant value. I can try to get to them later today (in storage) for better imagery but I do know given my father’s contacts they are more than likely somewhat authentic. Jackie, 1034 A: You sent me six small pictures, of which this is a larger version of one. I think they are all Native American artifacts from the…
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Colorful PNG mask
Q: This New Guinea mask is coming up in an estate sale this Tuesday morning. Unfortunately this is the only pic that was online and I will have to make a decision on the spot. The starting bid is $300. I know it is not much to go on but any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Herb, 1033 A: PNG mask prices vary according to the following: (A) pre contact, (B) carved with modern tools, (C) made for the tourist trade. Without better photos I would lean toward B and C. I like the look of it, but this is only my artistic taste. If we…
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A swinger from South of the border
Q: Found this today at a barn sale in Pennsylvania and was wondering if it’s a carnival mask? Central America? Not a collector, just couldn’t leave it behind. 8 inches high and 6 inches across. Thanks. Terence, 1032 A: It is a carnival mask from somewhere in Mexico, or maybe Guatemala. But more importantly, it is old, well used, yet still in good condition. I get a special kick out the cigarette hole which clearly has been used. I’ve also heard of booze being poured down holes like this. Mexican and Central American carnivals can get pretty rowdy. I think you have a nice cultural artifact. A Save Save
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Suggestions for Mask Man
Called Hannya, this famous character shows up in several Noh dramas as well as Kyogen plays and Shinto rituals. Hannya is also popular in America as a tattoo subject, good luck charm and decorative wall hanging. What you see here is a mask for the use of a professional actor in Japan. Note that several stages of construction are shown. Most of the time people send me pictures of masks they can’t identify, but I also show photos that illustrate other aspects of mask collecting. Anything is possible on this blog. I hope you will help me improve this service with your opinions. Feel free to write a little or…
