Q: I bought this mask 5 or 6 years ago in Vermont in a small shop owned by an elderly gentlemen. He told me he brought it back with him shortly after WW11 in which he served. Mask reminded me of the dancers in the King and I movie. I paid $20 for it. I would like to know if it is a Khon dance mask from Siam and its approximate age. Mickey, 909
A: It is from Siam, or what is now called Thailand in SE Asia. This is a classic Khon dance mask made out of strong papier mache and carefully detailed with paint and spangles. Often they have a tall, pointed headdress. There are many different characters. This one is unused and would have been made shortly before or after the war. Quality rather than age will determine its value. A-
