Q:  I could use your advice on something.  My contact in Sri Lanka found this mask, formerly in a Sri Lankan museum, and now for sale by the family that originally owned it.  It goes back about 50-60 years.  With my guy’s commission, they are asking $1250 plus shipping.  That seems high to me.  What do you think, informally?  1008 A:  I think the $1250 price is about right. There are museums who would love to display this piece. Carving quality is excellent, though the colors are faded. Look at the big Garuda on page 85 of The Letts Guide to Collecting Masks. It’s 1983 selling price would be about…

This is another one of Aaron’s acquisitions. It is a rare spiritual mask that has been made from a large, single Lingzhi fungus (Ganoderma Lucidum). The large, convex shape of the fungus can be carved to form  a nose, ears, mouth and eyes of a round face. Sometimes a composite material is added for high areas. The result is quite powerful in a strange way. This one is rough and probably quite old.  Bob, 1000 Please note the number of this post. There are 999 more in the archives. You can access any mask by picking the appropriate category on the right. Click on “India & Himalayas.” There is also…

Q:  I was wondering if you can provide me with any information on this mask that I purchased in a collection of four masks. Like the others this one is marked on the underside.  Russel, 987 A:  This mask is very decorative, even if it isn’t well made.  It is a traditional Mahakala from the Himalayan region, where it is quite common in Buddhist performances and for sale to tourists. You can find these easily and they are often quite cheap.   C

Q:  Only know that my brother got this in either East Asia or East India at least 20 years ago.  No other information known.  Brent, 970 A:  In the Himalayan region various animal deities can be part of the religious rituals. This carving comes from Nepal or Bhutan, but is not as carefully made as some. It is short in depth and would look good on the wall. It’s probably a tourist masks.  B

Q:  This mask was bought at auction in Ontario, Canada.  I don’t know if it is a wolf or a wild boar.  I  first thought it may be an aboriginal mask from the West Coast of Canada but now I’m wondering if it is Indonesian.  There is a small bit of a wax seal remaining which I saw on other Indonesian masks. Not sure if it has much value but I am downsizing and need to get rid of stuff. It definitely looks like it has been around for a long while.  Any help would be appreciated.  Brenda, 961 A:  Actually, it is from Nepal, probably the Middle Hills area.…

In the middle foothills and valleys of the southern slopes of the Himalayas live tribes, among which a very old form of Shamanism mixed with elements of Buddhism and Hinduism is still predominant today. These tribes, the Gurung, Magar, Tamang, etc., have an old mask tradition. Shamans and special dancers perform there with masks and costumes during ceremonies, theatrical performances and dances. These masks are usually crudely carved out of hardwood and age considerably while hanging in the rafters of the smokey huts in which many Nepalese live. The resulting patina is very appealing to collectors. This Middle Hills mask is on page 39 of Masks of the World by…

Q:  I have been trying to research this mask. I know it is from India but I am not sure if it is Ravana or Shiva? Also an age? I think it is late 19thC, early 20thC but someone has recently told me it was older? It is a large mask at 19″ inches in Length and 12″ wide and 7″ deep.   Josh, 937 A:  Shiva is a female deity, so it could be Ravana or some other male character. Unfortunately, there is no reference book about Indian masks to tell us the character’s name, the festival for which it is used, area it comes from, etc.  A careful search…

Q:  I purchased this mask at an online auction over 10 years ago for around $60. It was listed as a large mask from India, over 100 years old.  It is old, and big (21″H x 11″W x 9″D), but I’m not sure it’s Indian or over 100 years old. It’s completely hollowed out in back and has eye holes, so it could have been worn, but it’s vey heavy.  It also has holes in the “bun” on top, with nails driven into it, and holes and nails around the perimeter of the mask.  I’m sending these photos in hopes that you, or someone that follows your blog, might be…

Q:  I’ve been searching for literally YEARS on this mask.  I cannot find any information.  it is really old wood, painted and bears a red stamp mark. I cant tell if its symbols or numbers, and I’m crossing my fingers you may be able to tell me something about it.  Its really odd and unique.  Walt, 892 A:  Your mask is a traditional Mahakala from the Himalayan region, where it is quite common in Buddhist performances and for sale to tourists. We know it is from Nepal because of the the red wax seal affixed by their customs service. There are Tibetan and Bhutanese Mahakalas that look very similar. It…