Some of you may not know about the Steampunk movement, or the fact that it includes masks. The genre started with Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Mary Shelley. Later the term steampunk was coined by K. W. Jeter in the late 1980s. It was a clever way to describe his and a few other authors’ style of writing, tying the word cyberpunk to the Victorian era.
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Very old mask? Maybe.
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.
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Have you seen this?
Q: Does anyone know anything about this mask? It’s brass or bronze with an old patina and appears to have been worn over some kind of cloth headdress. Its believed to have come from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso and was bought from a “runner” about twenty-five years ago. It’s about 9 1/2 inches high. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Gary, 751 A: A week ago this was posted on the Yahoo discussion group, African_Arts. It was promptly answered with “It is a Lobi Headdress.”
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Bete war mask
Q: I bought this mask at the Tucson Gem Show African Pavilion about 7 years ago. I don’t remember where it came from, or if I was ever told. I think I paid $140.00 for it. It is one of three of my favorite masks. Ira, 750 A: It doesn’t matter a whole lot what it is or how much you paid, if you really like it.
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Fun Guatemalan mask
Q: Hi Bob, Jim Walker here. Just picked up a mask. I think it might be Mexican. What do you think about the edge wear? Jim, 749 A: The edge wear and rear inside do suggest age. But where are the strap holes? How would you keep it on your face? Authentic or not, this item is pretty cute. As an artist, I would enjoy having it on my wall. It is a quickly made Indian mask from Guatemala. The character is wearing a feathered headdress.
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Early monkey mask from Guatemala
The famous Pedro Alvarado
Another Guatemalan mask
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Mask of the future
Q: I am a member of the Carapace Project’s team. We create customized masks using 3d body scanning technique and high-quality 3d printers. Your work and your website represent a source of inspiration for us and makes me feel you are one of those people who would like to see what “the mask from the future” looks like. So, we would like to introduce you our new collection, Carapace. Fabrizio, 748 A: This is pretty cool stuff.
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Battle of the Tigres
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…
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Cute Japanese party mask
Q: Could you please tell me what you can about these two papier mache masks- country of origin, age, purpose? One looks like an animal, possibly a fox, the other appears to be possibly a human caricature. I bought them together at a flea market last year and they look like they are from same maker. Thanks, Sal, 746 A: I believe this is an inexpensive mask made for ordinary people in Japan.
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Big mask from Puerto Rico
Q: I have inherited one large signed Caraballo and two small Caraballo, Jr. Vejigante masks. The father’s mask is dated 1986 and the 2 by Jr. are dated 1987. I am in the market to sell them and I have detailed pictures which I can forward if you give me an email address. Robert, 745 A: This is a parade-size Vejigante made by Miguel Caraballo of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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The Barnes is a trip
Yesterday I took the train to downtown Philadelphia and got my first look at the famous Barnes Foundation in its new building. What a treat that was! In case you don’t know about it, the Barnes is the only museum in the world that displays African traditional art along with French Impressionism and other modern art… side by side! See for yourself at www.barnesfoundation.org In their office area I saw a recently made paper mask on the wall and asked about it.
