Q: Bob, thoughts on this one?  Nate, 571 A: Rough looking masks like this often turn up in rural areas of Java. It has probably been repainted several times. The last time very quickly. Could have been inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Just joking– I find the mask very attractive. I wonder how many other collectors do?

Q: This mask has been in my family for many years and none of my living family knows anything about its origin. It is the size of an adult head. The materials appear to be on the front a light coloured wood, inside there is a wicker effect and black material. The jaw of the mask moves and appears to have steel pins and a reed effect on the inside. The hair appears to be made of animal hair.  Anne, 552 A: The Topeng, or traditional dance dramas, are very popular in Bali, and your mask depicts one of many Bondres (comic characters) used in the performances.

Q: Could you tell me about the value and origin of this mask?  Susan, 539 A: I decided to show the rear view and side view because you can clearly see how these animal masks are constructed.

Q: I recently bough this thinking it was African , but it may not be. It looks pretty old though and worn, not a tourist piece. Do you have an idea where it may be from. I collect African things so don’t intend to keep it.  Chris, 538 A: I can understand your attraction to this handsome piece.

Q: This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali by myself. How could I best sell it?  Kerri, 521 A:  The big and very colorful Rangda dance mask is quite popular in the West as wall art.