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. You’ll never see one being worn. They’ve been making decoratives like this in the state of Guerrero for over 50 years. I think they can be imaginative and colorful art for displaying on the wall, but serious collectors and dealers will have nothing to do with them. Just remember that real masks– the ones that are actually worn in native cultures– are often better looking and always more interesting. C
