Q: This mask is from my grandmothers collection. They think it’s from possibly Aztec or Mayan era. I have researched it have come up with nothing. Please let me know what you think. Brandon, 879 A: From the Pre-Columbian era of Latin America, this little head is not a mask, but served some other purpose.
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Sometimes repairs are a good idea
Q: I have a very large wood carved mask. It is believed to come from Singapore. It is a face painted red with black and gold. The face has a third eye on the forehead. The approximate size of the mask is 24″ L, 18″ W. If you have an address I can send pictures to I would do so. Charissa, 877 A: This is a Buddhist-style mask that was made in Bali, probably for export or sale to tourists.
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Ticuna Indian mask with full costume
Q: My Aunt and I are on a search to find a new home for a set of Ticuna Indian artifacts her mother collected from the Amazon over 40 years ago. Please let us know if you’d like me to send you the photos to see if you have any information about them or any interest in inquiring them. Johnny, 876 A: First of all, apologies to everyone for my failure to do any posts in the previous week.
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Kuba bwoom mask
Q: The mask easily fits an adult, but some of the cowries are missing. There is also a crack which was repaired. I do not know much else. Thank you very much. Derek, 875 A: I think this mask is made to look like a Kuba bwoom mask. If it was actually to be used in culture it would probably have more exciting bead and shell decorations and be more carefully carved.
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From the Baule people of Ivory Coast
Q: I am working as part of a new BBC drama set in 1814. One of our main characters has links back to Africa and we are trying to find some information/ images of Ashanti masks of this year or just after/ before. I have struggled to find any information on this so far and I am not sure as to whether this tribe really used masks…. I was wondering whether you could offer any help or advice as to what African masks looked like during this time period?
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Eskimo sun glasses
Q: These antique whale bone/scrimshaw goggles came from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska. Would you have any idea the approximate age of these goggles? How valuable would these be? PJ, 873 A: Indigenous people in the extreme Northern parts of the world have always carved goggles out of wood or bone with thin slits for eye holes.
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Bird mask with big bill
Q: A friend of mine is struggling to identify a certain mask. It is a bird with a curved, sharp protruding bill. Any info as to origin would be so very welcome. Lioda, 872 A: It’s a bird mask from Guatemala. I have seen hundreds of these over the years and they always were made for the tourist trade. There is one traditional dance in Guatemala which features a hunter and a lot of different animals, but not birds.
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Unique to one town in Spain
Q: Bob, would you know where I can buy a Cigarron mask and also a Caretos masks, thank you. Liam, 871 A: Until your email I had never heard of the Cigarrones. It turns out they are part of an annual festival that is unique to a single town, Verin, in Galicia, Spain. There are many cities and towns all over the world that have special events that utilize masquerade.
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Makonde breast plate
Q: Not so much a mask, but I thought it may be of interest. What do you think? Andrew, 870 A: Many mask collectors consider this to be a kind of mask. It is usually worn by a man who has a carved wood helmet mask over his entire head. I would call it a pectoral mask of a pregnant female torso with enlarged nipples and a herniated umbilicus. Also note the abdominal tattoos that have been slightly highlighted with the same dark stain as the nipples and navel.
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Mexican masks can be very real
Q: I just lost an auction for an awesome female Catrine mask. Here’s a photo of it; the eyelids do not close. With commission, it sold for $1400. I had bid $1100 and lost, and I’m very disappointed, as you can imagine. I really wanted that mask. Aaron, 869 A: You have my sympathy.
