Q:  I am a collector of Roman and Greek archaeological finds. A few days ago for my birthday they gave me this mask. I just don’t know about masks and I don’t know what culture or era it can go back to. It is about 6 cm long. Unfortunately, I can’t even understand what material it is made of. It could be lead. Alex

There are plenty of monkeys and apes in the world, but try as I may, I can’t identify this guy. It’s realistic, well made and probably authentic. After looking at lots of books, at least an hour on Google, and even asking friends, it is still a mystery to me. Please help by putting you guess in our “comments” box.  Bob, 1795                              

I have searched for a mask like this one to no avail. One of my very-knowledgeable friends can only say that it is probably Asian. I agree, but hopefully some of our viewers can help a little more! Our mysterious Asian measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. The pictures were taken at angles that make the mask look wider than it is. Not that this is important, but I couldn’t help but noticed how much this mask had been fussed over. Years ago collectors would fix up old, dirty-looking masks to make them more prestigious and “museum-like.” Some of those masks were authentic and came with reliable provenance. Nowadays we would…

Q: I was hoping you could tell me anything about the style or origin of this simple wooden tribal mask. I bought it 50 years ago from an antique shop and that’s all I know. Dimensions are 23cm Long, 17.5 Wide and 10cm Deep. The white stuff is only a water based wash I painted on to make it more in keeping with our decor. As to the wood, all I can say is that it is really hard. I appreciate any help you could give me. Many thanks. Patrick, 1641 A: I can’t tell you much about this piece. It is primitive looking, but there are no holes for…

Q: This measures 10 1/2 x 6 x 3 1/2. I believe it is of plaster. It came from a mask collector. I paid $6. Thank you. Edward, 1636 A: This is a nice example of an art mask. It is signed “NR.” You should find out how to contact the artist. Ask the collector you bought it from. It might be worth much more. Ed hasn’t gotten back to us yet. Though we mostly help people who want to know more about a tribal mask they have acquired, MaskoftheWorld.com also accepts masks made for protection, protest, parties and various forms of art. This mask is made of papier mache…

Q: I recently purchased this mask for my collection and have had zero luck identifying it’s origin. It measures 9″ across x 12″ tall x 5″ deep. It is made of some variety of ceramic clay–possibly terracotta in part. The back side includes speckling but I am not knowledgeable enough to discern authentic from reproduction but am leaning toward older reproduction? Thanks much! JC, 1604 A: This could be an ancient burial mask, or maybe a piece of decorative art. It is not a real mask made for usage by a live human. It is too large, impossible to wear on the face, and easy to damage. Having said that,…

Q: I bought this mask at an estate sale about 10 years ago. The individual had about 50 masks in his collection, but with no real focus. Many were tourist pieces… a number from South and Central America. This one was tucked away in a corner… but had no identification. I like Japanese art and this struck me as perhaps an older Noh mask, but there was nothing the family new… or anything with the mask that would give me any indication of history. It is a light wood (almost like balsa) and you can see the grain. The painting detail is rather primitive. I’m good at searching online usually……

Q:  I’d like to know more about where this mask is from. I received it as a gift from a guy who didn’t know anything about it. It looks like horse hair around the mask.  Tim, 1496 A:  People have sent  many of these masks to me over the years. I always answer with a disappointing “I think its a tourist mask from somewhere in Asia.” Maybe one of our viewers can remember where they are made.