Q: We happened upon this mask in a yard sale. The tag on the strap says Tigre Guerrero. We know it is a ceremonial mask. What can you tell us about this mask? Where can we find out more? A: This is a famous style of Mexican mask that is only found in Zitlala, Guerrero. There, during the feast day of the Holy Cross all hell brakes loose when the young men from different neighborhoods put on jaguar suits (jaguars are called Tigres in Mexico), top them off with heavy-duty leather helmet masks like what you see here, arm themselves with a big stick and start beating each other up.

Q: Just acquired this mask from a third party who travel to Oaxaca frequently. In one of the many trips, they purchased this mask. Seeking any information, confirmation (region) or opinions. The mask measures 7.5″ h 5.5″ w 4.5 d and is made of hard wood. There are some minor signs of termite damage. Louis, 832 A: The Huave people occupy a few small villages in Western Oaxaca close to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. They make a lot of unpainted wooden masks, often decorated with armadillo shell and bristles of animal hair.

Here is a mask of St. Thomas that is from Xochiatipan, Hidalgo, Mexico. On 8/28 you saw a skull mask from Guerrero, Mexico, a Devil from nearby Michoacan, a Guerrero Jaguar, and a whore from Veracruz. If you want to know more about Mexican masks just go to the column on the right and click on “Mexico.” You’ll see 41 recently posted blogs about masks from that same fascinating country.

Masks of Mexico will be on view Sept. 12 – Nov. 8, 2015, at the Lancaster Museum of Art in downtown Lancaster, PA. Here is the museum’s description of the show. This exhibit focuses on the masks that are used in the many rituals and celebrations performed in the cities and small rural villages throughout  Mexico’s various states.  The majority of states with traditions of using masks are represented in this exhibit through more than 200 masks. Grouping all these works together reveal the various forms, styles and colors that Mexican carvers employ.  The masks are made from carved wood, papier-mache, leather, cloth, ceramic, metal and other materials and display…

Q:  I only have the front view now.  The mask is in my air conditioned storage unit.  If you are interested, I can certainly take the side and rear.  I am interested in your opinion.  Additionally, what do you charge for appraisal?  The mask is hand-carved wood.  Carolyn, 821 A:  Personally, I enjoy masks like this. It can be described as a Mexican decorative probably made in the state of Guerrero.

Q:  I am a dealer and a good friend and client Dennis Aigner of Laguna Beach, CA suggested I run this by you.  Obtained mostly private estate where most of the material came from Canada. Trying to place this. Any help would be appreciated.  Matt, 812 A:  Several characters in various Mexican dances, including Negros, Moors and Fishermen, have faces that are usually painted black.

Q:  These masks always hung on my grandfather’s office wall. I have had them hanging  or boxed since I got them around 1985. I thought i was told they were Mexican and that my grandparents bought them there, but after looking at your website I wonder about them being unpainted. The one with numbers looks like auction lot notes. I have photos of back, front sides and the close ups of the ones with writing. I am so curious!  Elizabeth, 799 A:  I am partial to Mexican masks, so your collection of five old Devil masks from Patzcuaro, Michoacan, excited me.

Q:  We found this mask in an old abandoned house in the Utah desert.  Do you have any idea what it is or how old it might be? We don’t collect masks but like looking for cool things.  James, 793 A:  Shiny, sheet-metal masks are very popular in Taxco, Guerrero where thousands of tourists come every day for decor items, sliver and jewelry.

Q:  I cannot remember if I sent you the picture of this huge, Mexican (I think) mask. Attached is a photo with me. It has several holes on each side that could hold it to a man’s head.  Jim, 792 A:  This “mask” is very big, as everyone can tell by looking at you trying to hold it. Frankly, I have never heard of Mexican’s wearing masks this large at a festival. And there are no eye holes. I think it might have been ordered by a shop keeper or restaurant owner who wanted to attract tourists with an attention-getting carving to hang on the wall.

Q:  I am a bit embarrassed to say it, but I keep wavering on whether this mask is Guatemalan or Mexican. Thoughts? What about it strikes you as the most obvious indicator of one vs the other? (I then asked about the aluminum foil.) At first glance, I was thinking it was more than likely HVAC duct tape. Although the yellow portions make me re-think that as I cant imagine a yellow duct tape being produced for that purpose.  Nate, 780 A:  (A friend said this.)  It would appear to be a Diablo mask from the Mexican state of Guerrero.