Q: I’ve just picked up this mask from an antique dealer in Paris. Apparently it’s a late 19th century Swiss mask. The teeth appear to be real but I’m not sure, and the hair feels to be human but considering its still attached to hide common sense says its probably horse. The dimensions of the mask are 30cm X 18cm. Is there anything you can tell me about it? PS: my girlfriend has bought me your book for xmas, without my even asking her! A: This is a Roitschaeggaetae mask from the Loetsch Valley of Wallis Canton in the mountains of Switzerland.
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Old Kolam mask from Sri Lanka
Q: I attached some of our mask for you to see. Please visit my Facebook page for more. https://www.facebook.com/Traditional-Kolam-Dancing-Maha-Ambalangoda-109452742477818/ The art of Ambalangoda masquerade and dance were invented about 250 years ago by the Tukkawadu Gunadasa and have been maintained to this day. Our generation has preserved many of the masks and costumes at a beautiful conservation center here in Sri Lanka.
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Praise for the new book, Masks of the World
Five experts in masks and other tribal art were kind enough to send us their comments. “This is a dictionary of masking that not only looks at the persona of the mask, but will aid in defining its use, ethnicity and geographical origin.” – Jim Pieper, author of Guatemalan Masking and Guatemalan Folk Saints “Unlike most of the reference books in my library, this one is more about the artistic qualities of folk art, and less prejudiced against invented or decorative objects.” – Bryan Stevens, author of Mexican Masks and Puppets “After reading this book you will have taken your first course in mask collecting. You will be able…
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Red Mwana Pwo mask
Q: I was recently in South Africa and purchased a mask in the Green Market in Cape Town. I paid around $75 for it and was impressed by the vendor’s knowledge of the different masks he had. This one especially caught my attention as it was so different than the others. I would love to know about its origins and anything else you might determine. Alan, 865 A: This looks like a Mwana Pwo mask from the Chokwe people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Old, worn primitive mask
Q: I recently purchase this mask in an online auction. It was listed at “Oceanic carved wooden effigy”. Any other information would be greatly appreciated. The braided hemp rope is included (through eye sockets). The size it is 15″H X 10″W 4.5″D. Dale, 864 A: This mask is so damaged I can’t identify it. All we have to go on is that someone said they thought it was Oceanic.
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Introducing… Masks of the World
by Robert Ibold and Troy Yohn If you could have only one book on masks, this should be your choice. From old, used traditional masks to modern decoratives, everything is covered. It is truly an encyclopedia of masks. Copies are now available in hardback, soft cover and ebook. If you want to see how we have organized the photos and descriptions of over 1000 collectible masks, please click here. https://dev.masksoftheworld.com/masks-of-the-world-book/
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Lenape Indian helmet mask?
Q: My friend purchased this ceremonial Natvie American mask from someone in the same area where we live, Schuylkill County, PA. This is what we were told: it is a Native American ceremonial “good luck” mask named the Black Eagle, probably just because of the large nose. It was said to be 100-150 years old. It was thought to be Lenape Indian in style. Someone else told us he thought it was Seminole. It is a lighter density wood, 13 1/2 ” high by 12″ across. It weighs only 5 1/2 pounds and is life sized to go on someone’s head. There are good luck rolling logs on either cheek.
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Primitive mask from the Congo
Q: I have a lot of masks. I like to collect them. Especially African masks. A week before ı bought another one. I think it is from the Bacongo people of the DRC, and made of wood. Actually the seller didn’t have any info on it. I bought it for 30 dollar. Could you tell me more about this mask. I hope it is old and original. Thanks. Suleyman, 861 A: Bacongo is a pretty good guess, but this example is crude and lacking any easily recognized features.
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Hammered sheet metal decorative
Q: I just found your website. This mask is 19 and a half inches tall by 11 inches wide. I found it in a dumpster while cleaning out an apartment building full of trash in San Pedro, California. The outside kind of looks like silver if I rub it. The chin holder on the inside is a softer pliable material more like lead. Notice the animal looking earrings. I hang it over my toilet. Thank you for your time. Jeremy, 860 A: This is a popular tourist mask made by a small shop of craftsmen working in Iquala, Guerrero, as early as the 1970’s.
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Mask of Chief Humming Bird
Q: This Guatemalan mask looks well used, has multiple layers of paint, and a thick rich patina on the backside. It appears to be a rather unusual mask in that it has elongated, cut-outs over both cheeks…certainly not something I’ve ever seen. But I did find a similar character that represents a very important Mayan chief called Huitzizil Tzunum, which means humming bird. This character is carved in a famous Mayan Stella in the Archaeological site of Copán, Honduras. Nate, 859 A: First, I must congratulate you on finding and identifying this old Guatemalan-style mask.
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