Q: I’ve been collecting masks for a few years and recently acquired an auction lot of W. African masks from a local small auction house that usually has junk, antique tools and farm equipment. I have details of them (and sketches) in a notebook with dates between 1950 – 1990. I’m really fascinated by them and would like to get your opinion. This mask is tiny. The wooden face part is 5″ tall.  Adam, 549 A: Nice Gunye ge mask from the Dan culture of Liberia or Ivory Coast.

Q: I bought this Gurunsi antelope mask from a dealer in Ougudougou. It was in perfect condition and the price was fair.  Aaron, 542 A: Once again I’m impressed by your ability to pick out excellent additions to a wonderful mask collection. This one is a perfect example of what the Gurunsi people of southern Burkina Faso would actually use in a ritual dance.

Q: Purchased about 15 years ago, this looks nothing like my other African masks. The main construction is of thin iron. There is a woven material around the periphery of the tower-like portion of the mask. Also, a felt-like material on the forehead. There are some signs of white paint on the tower and the ears, plus what may be attachment holes on the rear periphery. I think it may have been wearable.  Anne & Sam, 536 A: Lots of handsome iron masks have been coming out of Mali in recent years from both the Dogon and Bamana people.

Q: I got three small masks, (one attached) to give as gifts for my sister.  For some info I went on line and came across your web site. How much do you charge to review a mask?  Bill, 534 A: On this blog I just do one mask for free.

Q: I have an interesting and rare African mask that I would like to sell.  I do not have experience in these matters and I would not like to be under-compensated for the piece.  Theo, 532 A: Your Chokwe mask is attractive to tourists and collectors, but does not have much resale value.

Q: I won this at a Harrisburg, PA auction of collectibles the ex-mayor bought with city funds for a proposed tourist attraction.  The Harrisburg mayor also used the city funds to buy some African and Pre-Columbian items.  25 inches tall, flecked with gold paint mostly worn off, there is also braided rope which is in good shape and the three braids are covered at the ends with roughly 10 inch pieces of leather. I don’t know if this mask was made for market, or even if it’s really from Africa (the auction info consisted solely of the description “African Carved Helmet Mask”. At the price I paid, though ($125.), I feel that even if it’s…