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.

Q: At first glance, I found the front so over dramatized that I assumed it was a tourist piece. Then the cracking/aging paint got my attention that this thing has considerable age. And then finally, I was in shock to see both the amount of patina and craftsmanship of the reverse side.This thing clearly has been danced heavily. The craftsmanship on the back had me initially thinking Japan. However, the tear-drop eyes make me think Korean. This is not a style of an Oni or devil I’ve ever equated to Japan. Ever seen Korean Devils? Can you pin-point this? Nate, 837 A: I don’t where this is from. China, Korea,…

Q:  I inherited this mask from my grandfather who was an art dealer and collector.  He collected African masks, but I doubt this is one.  He was born in Canada in the late 19th century, but came to settle in Riverside California.  When he married, he and his family lived in Beverly Hills where he had a gallery.  He constantly flew back and forth to Paris collecting and selling lithographs and anything Picasso.  I have no idea where he acquired this mask and how he came to give it me…but I’ve kept it all these years and am curious of its origin.  Is it Guatemalian?  808 A: It is Guatemalan,…

Q:   I have two masks I am interested in selling. These masks were purchased at an estate auction of a diplomat who lived in Alexandria, VA.  I bought them at an antiques shop.  The seller thinks they might be from Mexico, but he is uncertain.  I typically “pick” items for resale on ebay.  I would be interested in purchasing an appraisal for the masks, or I might be interested in selling them to you if you were interested.  Not sure of the best route to take.  Mike, 800 A:  As you know, submitting more than one mask is discouraged on the Mystery Mask blog. So are requests for monetary value.

Most traditional masks from this little Central American country have four eye holes– two with glass eyeballs staring out of them, and the other two for the dancer to look out of. These masks also appear to have been carved by artists trained in the academic style of the Spanish Renaissance. The folk art of Guatemala’s indigenous people dates back hundreds of years to the conquest and beyond. Some of their dances are rooted in traditions brought from Spanish religious celebrations. Then there are those of Mayan tradition where animal masks are often used in dances like “Toritos” (the Little Bulls), or “El Venado” (the Deer).

Q:  I wonder if you could tell me anything about this mask. I purchased it at auction in a small town near Ottawa, Canada. It was described as a Victorian Carnival Mask. Thanks for your time, Rod, 761 A:  The best I can do is tell you it is probably from Guatemala. I have no idea what the character is or what part of the country it comes from.

Q:  Hi Bob, Jim Walker here. Just picked up a mask. I think it might be Mexican. What do you think about the edge wear?  Jim, 749 A:  The edge wear and rear inside do suggest age. But where are the strap holes? How would you keep it on your face? Authentic or not, this item is pretty cute. As an artist, I would enjoy having it on my wall. It is a quickly made Indian mask from Guatemala. The character is wearing a feathered headdress.

Q:  Hello,  I have attached a mask of what I believe to be a deer but not sure. Perhaps you could tell me a little about it.  Dustin, 669 A:  It is a deer. In Guatemala the people of Mayan decent have several masked dances that feature deers.

Q: I purchased this mask from a small auction house here in England a few years ago.  It measures approx 14 inches by 6 1/2. It is of zoomorphic form and appears to have been painted at some time. At the top of the mask there appears to have been a hood attached and you can see where this has split out above the two larger holes there is only a tiny tuft still threaded through from the centre hole. I also think it may have had ears at some stage. carved from a heavy hard wood. .Any info would be great. Thanks, Robert, 624 A: Thanks for working so…

Q: My understanding is that this is an older Brazilian Carnaval mask, I picked it up on a trip years ago. Old or not I really like the mask and have kept it in the bath looking down on the unassuming visitor……it always gets a comment!  Justin, 617 A: First, a note of explanation.