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.
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Primitive mask from the Himalayas
Q: Mask with crude carving, 24.5 x 15 cm, with darkened surface, I do not know what kind of wood. I bought this mask from a man who had bought in Nepal many years ago. I was told this was a Tamang dance mask from Nepal. I would like to have your opinion on its origin, authenticity and age. It would also be very interesting to know more about its symbolic meaning and use. A: The Tamang, one of several ethnic groups living in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, practice Tibetan Buddhism and are known to produce primitive looking masks such as this for use in shamanistic rituals.
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African art show in Bloomington, IN
Q: We’re hosting a special exhibition called “Visions from the Forests: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone” at the Indiana University Art Museum. The centerpiece of the exhibition is over 30 different masks. I was doing a little web research, and came across your site, and thought you might find this exhibition interesting. It opens March 7, and will continue to the High Museum in Atlanta afterwards. It has previously been on view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Smithsonian.
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Iban mask from Borneo
Q: Hi, again– This is a mask collected by my elderly friend from an Iban area of Sarawak. I love it (especially the cigarette foil teeth!), and I would really like to be able to tell her more about it. Do you know what the use for such a mask might be? Thanks again for your help! Sarah, 741 A: I usually don’t post two mystery masks from the same person, at least not in the same month. (Sarah’s other one is 738.)
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Nice Senufo Kpelie mask
Q: This is a mask I acquired at an estate sale, the owner of which appeared to be a mask collector. I was told that it is from Africa and that it is old but no other details. The mask is made out of wood which appears to have some age on it. It measures about 14″ long and 7″ wide. I would appreciate your insight as to the more specific origin and purpose/symbolism of this piece. The mouth of the mask particularly got me interested as to why it was designed that way. Very curious about your opinion of this piece! Yuriy, 74 A: Your mask is called a…
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Authentic, used African mask
Q: I have three masks that my Mom got when working in the Ivory Coast in the 1960’s. I will submit the more outstanding one, the horned and somewhat furry mask. The masks are made out of wood. Do you happen to have more info on this type of mask? Tatjana, 739 A: I’m not a expert on African masks, but the three sharp photos you sent suggest the mask may have been used in culture for celebration or ritual.
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Help Wanted
As usual, the Mask Man has posted answers that aren’t much help to the poor people who sent him pics of their Mystery Mask. I receive several requests per day and I answer all of them, but only post the most interesting ones. Some of those are mysteries to me as well. I need you to write back with a comment. Even a guess would be of some help!
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Little Borneo mask
Q: I’m doing some research for an elderly friend on some masks she bought in Southeast Asia in the early 1980s. She was particularly interested in the Iban people of Borneo. Some of the masks are quite nice, but this one and another like it, confuse me. They’re both about 24x15x10cm and seem to be carved of ironwood. The weight and the fact that neither have eye or mouth holes make me wonder if they were ever designed for use. Thanks so much for your advice! Sarah, 738 A: I like the way this mask looks, but I can’t pin it down to a particular culture because it is unfamiliar.
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African woven mask or PNG?
Q: I purchased this basket-woven mask this week at an estate auction in Plainfield, NH, and have no idea of where it is from or its history. Any ideas? Karen, 737 A: At first your woven mask reminded my of a yam ceremony mask from Papua New Guinea, but the structure of the rear looks more like something from central Africa.
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Mexico or Ecuador?
Q: I purchased this mask at an arts and crafts fair here in Mexico City. I believe it is originally from the state of Michoacan, but it could be from Guerrero or Oaxaca. I am most interested in masks related to devils or death. I attempt to obtain mask that are “bailadas” which means masks that have been used in some sort of festivity or ritual. Carlos, 736 A: Thanks for explaining the types of masks that interest you most. I’d love to see more of them.
