One of the most creative (and busy) mask makers is Herminio Candelario who lives in Suchitlan, Colima. This mask could be a coyote or a dog. Animals are used in the dance of the Morenos in which they are scaring away the Roman Centurions who are guarding Christ’s tomb. Don Herminio has been improving village dances for many years with his always-different carvings. What doesn’t get used for that purpose is sold to tourists. Collectors call the leftovers “decoratives,” which they disdain. Not me. Unused decoratives are in beautiful condition and I often add them to my Mexican mask collection. Do you like this as much as an old, used…

This red and green wooden mask comes from Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico. The mask belongs to the Ruth Lechuga collection, so we know it is authentic. It was probably made by the Nahua people. These kind of Mexican masks often have insects or small animals on them. They are very entertaining. The second one also looks like an old Nahua mask, but there seems to be a hint of darkened varnish coating it. Many of these masks have been made for tourists who like the old. I can’t be sure. What do you think?

Q:  Attached are three pictures of a mask I recently purchased at a country auction in Massachusetts.  It is made of wood, with paint and some sort of old repair.  Any information would be very much appreciated!  Nick, 1373 A:  Nick, you have made my day. Your photography is excellent. Most people who buy a mask at a local auction or thrift store don’t get something of this high value. It’s a very old Moor mask, but I can’t identify the state or ethnic group. Who has ever seen tiny, little round eyes underneath big eye holes. I also love the startling look of the face on this enemy of…

Q:  I would like to purchase this wooden mask, but I’m unaware of its origins. The owner has a large collection of masks, and couldn’t remember where he picked this one up. He suggested it was either Indonesian or Japanese, though it looks more like an African mask to me. The mask seems to have been made for a child.  Paul, 1371 A: This cool little Mexican decorative (tourist mask) is something I would be glad to add my collection, I think, but I wish your photos were better. You can learn more about the famous caiman mask by referring to Mexican Masks by Donald Cordry on page 200. Unlike…

I could not resist sharing this photo of an old Oaxacan mask with you. It has so much character, despite it’s rough appearance. Devils can’t be nastier than this one! Located on the edge of the Pacific in southern Mexico, the state is rich with many kinds of wonderful masks. Part of the reason is there are many ethnic groups (Mixtec, Zapotec, Chatino, Negro, Huave, Chontal) in the area. More info is needed. What part of Oaxaca does it come from? A  

Q:  I bought this mask in Mexico while living there. Story I was told is It is used in a celebration where it is worn and then thrown in a bonfire. It is made out of paper and clay and has a small skull with horns on the forehead of this unspecified animal. I forgot which state of Mexico it comes from. I mostly collect abstract masks from Mexico, regardless of their market value.  Marco, 1359 A:  Your bonfire story is true. The Cora people are supposed to destroy there papier mache masks after the Holy Week ceremonies in the state of Nayarit of northern Mexico. Because of this tribe’s…

Left of me on the header of our home page is this cute little goat mask from Guerrero. In the Chivo Dance there are two lines of dancing goats. They wear masks with horns, a headdress, or both. The masks are very colorful, like toys for children. Mexican masks are usually meant to be entertaining. This mask will now be number 1334 in the site’s archives, which are listed as “categories” on the right of each mask page. In our book, Masks of the World, by Ibold and Yohn, there are photos and descriptions of 990 masks. So when you use our book and the website, you have access to…

This is a recently made Mexican mask that most collectors would want. I believe it is either a Hermit or a Moor from somewhere in the state of Michoacan. The carver is very talented so one of our visitors might be able to tell us his name and village. New masks are more affordable than used ones.

Q:  I have recently bought this mask on the internet for about 40 USD. I am pretty sure that it is an unused Parachico mask from Chiapas, Mexico. One eyelash is missing.  But I wonder about quality and age. I know nothing about Mexican masks. Can you or your visitors maybe estimate the level of quality and tell an approx age, given the style? Thanks, Chris  1382 A:  You got this for a very good price. It is new. Most of the Santeros (professional carvers) make additional Parachicos for sale to tourists. Though it could have been made recently, this has been going for over a 100 years. Barbara Mauldin…

Q:  I have to sell an old mask collection and need help. Please advise. I am going to send just a few right now so you can see that this collection is grand. I have to work right now and so I can get them the right size.  Darla, 1326 A: These two Diablos are used in the Pastorelo dance. You can learn more about how Easter is celebrated in the state of Guanajuato on the internet. These two masks are great. The first one has those nasty creatures crawling all over the face, which is often done by the carvers in this part of Mexico. The other features a…