A fine old example of the Bull (Torito) mask that is an important character at Carnival in Alto Lucero, Veracruz. This mask was well used when it was bought in the 1960s. See page 34 of Masks of Mexico by Mauldin for a similar mask that is not as old. This one is pictured in Masks of the World by Ibold and Yohn on page 124. It is what serious collectors love– frequent usage, old age, beautiful traditional design, and still in good shape. Note the mirror in middle of forehead. In a few days we will have an auction of Mexican masks on this website. Because of current economic…

    Q:  Can you estimate age, where it came from in Mexico and who might have carved it? What is your take on the condition, paint loss, looks like woods knots over the eye and next to the nose and something under the nose?  Bill, 953 A:  It came from the state of Guerrero. I think we started seeing this style of decorative (tourist mask) as early as 1970. The tourist trade was beginning to grow and these kinds of items were offered to rich gringos as valuable antiques. This decorative industry grew and grew, often producing beautiful carvings that can be a joy to collect. By the 90’s…

Q:  Know this is a Mexican mask, but would like your thoughts on its original purpose. It is very light weight wood, has remains of gold paint and was inhabited by insects!!! Despite its condition, I really love this mask and would like your opinions on it. I bought it along with an “unusual Mexican bird masks” hat I sent you pictures of 6/11/15.  Mickey, 952 A:  Here is what it says on an old label pasted on the rear of the mask.  This Google translation doesn’t make sense to me. Tepozitlan, District Juguila, (close to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico) Cargador:  con tres mas carga la mesa on…

Q:  Called a Gitano, this mask is from Tlaxcala, Mexico. It is in excellent condition with mechanical eyelids and a bright blue interior. I had never seen anything like it, but my brother did some research on the Internet and found a few others which are  similar — but not in color.   Joan, 951 A:  These high-quality masks made by professional carvers in the state of Tlaxcala usually depict the Catrines (Dandies) who perform the famous rain dance at Carnival time. Note that Joan’s example has beautiful glass eyes plus moving eyelids with false eyelashes. But of course, there are other dances requiring masks for other characters. This one is…

I have been collecting Mexican masks since about 1975 and still there are some that I can’t identify. This one has a height of 9 inches and is covered with rows of ridges you can’t help but notice. Otherwise it has all the characteristics of Mexico. Since discovered in a flea market about 35 years ago, I have never seen one like it. What do you think?

This is another one of the exciting masks Kathleen discovered in the storage unit contents she won at auction. Michoacan, a state located in Westcentral Mexico, is where there are a number of highly talented carvers. In addition to masks for traditional dances, they also create extra-fancy items for sale to tourists and folk art collectors. This may be one of them. It looks like a blood-sucking bat on top of an unlucky conquistador. I’m just guessing. What do you think? Can you explain the spikes and chairs?  928

Q:  I acquired a few more masks in the last few weeks. The last is an Azteca mask from Danza de la Conquista in Veracruz.  I’m sure you’ll recognize it.  I won that at an auction along with 2 diablo con chintetes masks from Guerrero, which I’m going to sell.  Enjoy!  Aaron, 915 A:  We are so lucky that Aaron continues to share his great finds with us. This is one of the most extraordinary dance masks from Mexico. Or anywhere for that matter. Look at that amazing protrusion comming out of the face! A similar Azteca is shown and described on page 124 of our new book, Masks of…

Q:  I do love old stuff. When we bought our historic house 10 years ago we bought it with items in house still. I have found a few interesting items also.  Here are a couple pics of a mask we found. its about 35 inches x 25 and is carved out of one piece of bottom of a tree. It looks like maybe rubber tree wood painted in Indian colors. Well anything you can tell me is great  John, 908 A:  Mexican decoratives, also called tourist masks, are avoided by most collectors. None the less, I often find them  interesting and even beautiful, which is certainly true of yours.  This…

Q:  Check out this mask. It is one of the 9 lords of the night characters from a dance which is about the weirdest, dark stuff in Suchitlan tradition.  Pablo, 903 A:  I might have guessed this was a tourist mask made to look like a zombie or vampire. But since the photo comes from Pablo Medina, who has a great knowledge of Suchitlan folk art, we know it is an authentic piece. Suchitlan is a small town in the small state of Colima in west-central Mexico. The famous mask maker, Herminio Candalario, is also from there. We recently posted one of his masks. See number 898 titled “One of…

Q:  Here are several photos from Suchitlan, including an old photograph of the Morenos who are all wearing the masks made by Don Herminio.  Pablo, 898 A:  The first photo is a coyote by the master maskmaker, Herminio Candelario of Suchitlan, Colima, in western Mexico. His father and his sons were/and are well known makers, but he was, in my opinion, the Picasso of Mexican masks.  A+ The second is an old photo of the big celebrations in Suchitlan’s Fiesta of the Animals. This revelry is in conjunction with the Blessing of the Animals. Participants wear masks representing all the animals of the land.  Animals of all types, from family…