Q: I thought this Tigre was really interesting. It is made of burlap and has real teeth sewn on. The eyes are mirrors. I’ve never seen one like that before. It is from the state of Guerrero. Aaron, 979 A: What a cool Jaguar. (Tigre is the local nick name. ) Or is this striped version supposed to be a real tiger? This unusual item is something any Mexican mask enthusiast would love. Burlap masks are very rare. If you go to this blog’s “Mexico” category you can see several different Tigres. There are many, many more! Mexican carvers are the world’s most imaginative in my opinion. A
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European art mask
Q: I bought this mask at an estate sale yesterday for $35. The estate sale person knew nothing about its origins or age, but the estate was full of local art items and collectibles. A friend suggested that the eyes of this mask remind her of work by sculptor Enrique Alférez who was Mexican but lived and worked in New Orleans in the 1930s. I’d appreciate any ideas or suggestions. Thanks! Nancy, 978 A: This looks almost like a Commedia dell’arte mask and it is very skillfully made. The professional carver could be from anywhere. Wooden masks for carnival and other celebrations are almost always painted. I’m sure this was made to…
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Airport art from Africa
Q: Thank you so much for providing this service! I received this mask from a wealthy family as a parting gift. I was only told that it was purchased while they were abroad. They are certainly not the type of people who would appreciate any questions about the gift, but I’d love to know more about it for insurance purposes as well as my own edification. Karen, 977 A: Collectors often refer to the commercial masks and other carvings designed for the tourist trade as “airport art.” Though this is a derogatory term, there are some where the artistic qualities are appealing to most tourists and even some collectors. This type…
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The unappreciated Mexican decorative
Q: I JUST INHERITED AN IMPORTANT MASK COLLECTION ( ABOUT 120 PIECES ) AND NEED TO SELL IT. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE NO PROPER SPACE AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LOVE TO SELL THE COLLECTION EITHER TO A MUSEUM OR COLLECTOR. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS? GABY, 975 A: I have often purchased mask collections from people like you. For starters, I will have to see more pictures. I’ll discuss this in more detail with a separated email. Let’s look at the single photo you sent of a very nice Mexican decorative. I would say it was carved and painted in the state of Guerrero, late 20th century. “Decorative” is a term used by collectors of Mexican…
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Garuda mask from Bali
Q: I just got this mask from an Indonesian trader in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She claims it was made in rural Sarawak, Borneo. It is entirely carved out of wood (type unknown) and despite looking weathered and old, I believe it is relatively new. The price was MYR150 (less than USD40). Size-wise, it is approximately 8 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide. I’d be interested to know what type of mask this really is. The trader said it is not a Garuda, but nevertheless a bird design that they treat as a lucky charm. Derrick, 976 A: Your attractive mask is a Garuda, inexpensively made in Bali for the huge tourist and collector…
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Authentic Mexican mask
Q: At the Burke Museum of Natural History in Seattle, I have been working with a collection of masks from Mexico (according to the donor) which were recently donated. I have attached photos of a wooden, hand carved mask which I have not been able to find much information about. Most of the masks from this donor were purchased from Milagros, a Mexican Folk Art store in downtown Seattle, though I am unsure if this particular mask was purchased there. Molly, 973 A: I have actually purchased masks from Milagros. It is an excellent source. Your mask has a lot of character and is certainly authentic Mexican. I love it!…
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Tigre mask from Mexico
Q: I purchased the mask yesterday, while walking through the Columbus Flea Market in New Jersey. I paid the couple $35 for the item. They acquired it while cleaning our an estate in Princeton, New Jersey. The mask is approximately 13″ in height, and 10″ in width. As a retired police lieutenant, I have no knowledge with respect to this area of collecting. Daniel, 973 A: This may be an old Tigre del Tecuani mask used in the dance of the Tigres (rural name for jaguars) from somewhere in the state of Guerrero. Since it has a big mouth opening and no eye holes, it would have been worn higher…
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Old skull mask from Mexico
Here is a skull mask that has lots of usage plus a great set of teeth made out of tin can pieces. Those teeth would have made for a shiny smile in the old days. The village and state are unknown. Part two of our Mexican collection is now being auctioned on OrangeUmber.com This time more than 50 traditional masks, both used and new, are available. These masks were acquired 1975 to 2010 and include male and female characters, animals, skulls, devils and fantasies from 20 different Mexican states. The collection has been shown at Messiah College, The Lancaster Museum of Art and can be permanently seen in the largest chapter of Masks…
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Jaguar or leopard mask?
Q: Hey Bob, Troy tells me if you guys 1) can tell, 2) are interested: If this might be Congo or something I’d like to save it… if it is a Mexican, South or Central American Tigre mask I want to find value and sell. My opinion is that it’s not a concoction or ploy and has age, but I don’t really know. So how about a mask for Orange Umber here? Arthur, 971 A: The best I can guess, this is a Jaguar mask meant to be worn in some kind of ceremony by an Amazon Indian tribe. It seems to be made of bark cloth and natural black…
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Animal mask from Himalayas
Q: Only know that my brother got this in either East Asia or East India at least 20 years ago. No other information known. Brent, 970 A: In the Himalayan region various animal deities can be part of the religious rituals. This carving comes from Nepal or Bhutan, but is not as carefully made as some. It is short in depth and would look good on the wall. It’s probably a tourist masks. B
