Q: This is a Ravana mask that I have been trying to find more info on. I believe it could be pre-1800. I bought it from a good dealer friend who thinks the same age. 45 inches wide, it was cut in half at some point. I really enjoy this great mask. Josh, 545 A: There is a cheap plastic version of this famous mask on this site. It says “This ten-headed mask represents the Asura (Sanskrit for demon) king Ravana, from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
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You got a good deal
Q: Hope this picture is ok! Just want to know the origin of a mask I bought at a flea market for $20. It is wood and very light. Mickey, 540 A: It is from the Himalayan region, perhaps Nepal or Tibet.
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Turtle shells are a favorite in Tibet
Q: I found this mask at a flea market in Belgium yesterday. Thing is that it’s REALLY well made and I’d like to know if it’s in any particular ancient style you know of. Sam, 531 A: This is called a Kapala turtle mask and used for Tantric Buddhist ceremonies in the Himalayas or just for good luck in the home.
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We’ve never seen this one
Q: I found your website and want to know more about this mask. I have had a few others but can’t find this one anywhere. Wayne, 529 A: Any helpful comments will be appreciated. The Mask Man knows a little bit about a lot of cultures, however, not all of them. Is that a cobra on the forehead? What about the pointed eyes, weird nose, and cleft upper lip?
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How do you find out about Indian masks?
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Excellent carving with fine details
Q: I was told this was a protective mask. Almost 2-ft high. Caitilin, 523 A: This is a high-end tourist mask from Tibet or Nepal.
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Not sure it is a Hanuman mask
Q: I purchased this Hanuman mask and thought it was very unique because of the bird on top. Have you ever seen this before? Is it mid 19th Century or earlier? Josh, 517 A: Not sure it is a Hanuman mask. Have never seen the bird on top of one.
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Colonial India or more recent Nepal?
Q: I purchased this mask about 10 years ago just because it was interesting. The story the seller told me was her grandmother wore it at Purim time as a child in the 1920’s.To me he kind of resembles what Haman may have looked like, but I do not know if this story is true, or if this is just a piece of touristy folk art made many years later. Any ideas? Allison, 502 A: It may not be that old, but it’s not a typical tourist mask either.
