Q:  I purchased these 3 masks at an auction last night.  They were listed as African Masks.  I don’t think that is correct but don’t know where they might have originated.  Can you provide any info?  Many thanks for your help.  Joe, 769 A:  This is a better-than-average decorative mask made for the tourist trade.

Q:  I have an old mask from Guerrero. How can I have it appraised?  Karen, 768 A:  Your mask could be from the state of Guerrero, or the neighboring state of Mexico, which surrounds Mexico City. It is a classic Moor mask from the dance of the Moors and Christians, which is performed a lot in these areas.

Q:  Purchased at a swap meet in Texas.  Material seems to be copper with remnants of a cloth mesh backing.  Was told it was African, but no real idea.  LG, 762 A:  Your mask comes from just south of the border in La Parota, Guerrero. Masks like this were made for tourists visiting the mountains of Northeastern Guerrero since the early days. In 1981 a book called Mexican Masks was published and the author, Donald Cordry, said these large beaten-metal masks were used many years ago in a Rain-Petitioning Dance, but most collectors today know they are strictly decorative. They are attractive and some still show up in museums and…

Q:  I got this mask in a public house located near Cuetzalan, Puebla, in which is common to see several masks hanging on the wall. This a Teodoro Tacuepian creation. Actually, i was at his workshop in Zacapoaxtla, trying to acquire some masks, but he only had 2 masks on sale, a Pilatos and negrito. The technique and the particular shape of the nose tell me it’s a recent creation. With age his technique has become more rough. Now he is almost 100 years old and still working.  Yusef, 758 A:  That’s our man. Teodoro Tacuepian Galvan was born in 1911 and did not start carving until late in life.

Tigre is the word for jaguar in Mexican slang, and it was the apex predator for thousands of years until recently, when it finally became extinct throughout the country. It also plays an important role in Mexican mythology and shows up as a character in many folk dances. This mask is a Tigre for the Tejorones dance done in the Costa Chica area in the state of Oaxaca. Different versions of the jaguar-inspired mask are made throughout Mexico.

Q:  I just purchased this mask at an auction in Georgia.  It’s made of wood and is approximately 6″x8″.  I was told it dated to the late 1800’s.  Any information you could provide is greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your help.  Cindy,752 A:  It could be a Christian, Viejo, or some other character from Central Mexico.

Q: This is a mask I got in Guerrero, Mexico some years ago.  I believe it is “vintage,” because I don’t think they make them out of leather anymore.  I was told it’s a jaguar for a jaguar dance.  It’s leather that has been colored in a dark turquoise color, has mirrors for eyes, and projecting whiskers (not sure whether they are organic hair or synthetic) – aprox 6 in. tall.  Deborah, 747 A:  Called a Tigre mask all over Mexico, this one is from Zitlala, Guerro, where they have a special celebration in May where gangs from different barrios in town put on these heavy leather helmets and fight…

Q:  I purchased this mask at a rummage hall that deals in storage unit clean-outs. I like detail and scary images. I had a friend who works with Pacific northwest wood look at it and she couldn’t identify the type, just that it was really old. Dimensions are approx 8L” x 7.75W”x 4.75H” and the weight is 153g. Any information you provide would be wonderful. At this point I am clueless where to start looking.  Darrel, 729 B: It is a Mexican Day of the Dead mask that could be used to celebrate that very important holiday.

Q:  Got this mask in Nogales, Mexico 15-20 yrs ago. I also collect Pascola masks from Northern Mexico. What can you tell me about this one?  Steve, 698 A:  I am a great lover of Mexican masks. The first mask I ever purchased (30 years ago) was Mexican and there are many on my walls at home that I just can’t part with. Even with this favorable prejudice, I am not thrilled with this piece.

Even though I’m not a Lucha Libre fan, I know this guy is a currently popular wrestler from Mexico. I’ve seen his picture before. That’s saying something because there are hundreds of wrestlers that wear different masks… and they retire that unique design when the athlete ends his career.