Collector's Tip: Ironically, authentic masks can sometimes appear less visually "perfect" than reproductions. They were built for the chaos of a festival, not the stillness of a gallery wall.
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Masks of the World Presents: The Authentic Boruca Collection!
Venture into the heart of the Costa Rica rainforest with us as we unveil a treasure trove of history and artistry. For the first time, we’re thrilled to present a collection of 19 authentic danced Boruca diablito masks. These aren’t just any masks; they are a testament to the rich history and revival of the Boruca mask-carving tradition. 🌳 A Revival from the Brink 🌳 In the 1970s and 80s, the art of Boruca mask carving was nearly lost. But, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Ismael Gonzalez, this ancient craft was reborn, infusing life and passion back into the Boruca community. The masks in our collection are a reflection…
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The Devil’s Craft: A Mexican Papier-mâché Masterpiece
Ask: I recently purchased this mask at an antique market. The seller informed me that it belonged to a mask collector whose estate was currently being sold. The mask was labeled as Mexican however the seller knew nothing else about it. I purchased this mask as well as one other for $125. The mask appears to be Papier-mâché. This mask design looks somewhat like the Diablo masks from Nahua people of Temalucatzingo, Guerrero but since it’s Papier-mâché, I’m thinking maybe it’s from Mexico City since there quite a lot of papier-mâché crafts made there. I’ve also seen papier-mâché Diablo masks from Oaxaca and the Cora people, of Nayarit use…
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Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection
Are you sitting on a treasure trove of cultural masks but aren’t quite sure how to keep them in their prime? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into the world of preservation, because trust me, there’s nothing sadder than a mask losing its charm. First off, let’s set the stage with a quick fact: masks are more than just pretty face coverings. They’re nuggets of history, carriers of cultural heritage, and every chip, every color, every thread has a story to tell. So, how about we keep those stories alive, huh? Let’s start with rule numero uno – keep ’em clean, but be gentle! We’re dealing with delicate materials…
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3 Unique Ways to Display a Mask
I love seeing a wall full of masks but what if you want to make one masks the focal point? One masks to control them all! (Sorry, I couldn’t help making LOTR reference). Hanging one mask all by itself might draw attention but it seems a bit sparce to me. If you have an intriguing story to go along with the single mask or maybe a plaque placed under it, that might suffice but let me try to inspire you to reach a little bit deeper into your creativity. The following 3 ideas for creating a single mask focal point will hopefully get your juices flowing and help you come…
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Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection
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Embark on a Mask-terful Journey: Oaxaca, the Ultimate Starting Point for Aspiring Mask Collectors!
For mask collectors and adventure seekers Oaxaca has it all. There are countless festivals and celebrations many of which involve the use of masks. You’ll even see the use of masks in some weddings and graduation ceremonies! I’ve traveled to numerous places around the world and Oaxaca, Mexico holds a special place in my heart. I’d go as so far as to call Oaxaca my second home. I’ve spent more time in Oaxaca than anywhere else in the world (other than Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA where I grew up). In addition to masks, there are amazing ancient ruins (Zapotec, Monte Alban) just a 30-minute bus ride from the center along with…
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Indonesian Tiger Mask
Q: I think the mask that I have here should be an old Sumatran Tiger mask? I acquired it out of a Dutch private collection dome 20 years ago. Could I ask your help to identify this beautiful mask. – P
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Dayak mask from Borneo
Topeng prime minister from Bali
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Oceanic Mask?
Q: Daniela ask: Unfortunately I don’t know anything about the mask. We bought it from somebody in Czech.
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Dayak Mask from Borneo
Q: I found this carved wood mask in a consignment store several years ago. It is 20 inches long, has an articulated mouth and holes along the open edge in back to hold bark strips or hair. There are no modern materials used, no wire or nails. Just wondering if you knew where it might be from.
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Nepalese Buddhist Mask
Q: I bought this mask online last week and paid less than $100 for it. The seller described the mask as African . I have a fairly large collection of African masks so I knew that was incorrect. I supposed it to be from somewhere in the Himalayan region. It has obvious wear and some damage which has been repaired. Has red wax seal on back. – Ken
