Q: I have two similar, but different red Topeng masks that look to be authentic, used, ethnographic items. Are they the same character? It seems as if they might be, but if so, why the differences? Is it due to their disparities in age or from the original locations? Thanks, Nate, 722 A: The Mystery Mask blog is restricted to one mask per person, but I will make an exception with these two.
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Happy New Year
This charming photo by Phyllis Galembo is called Four Children in Fancy Dress. It shows a Nobles Masquerade Group from Winneba, Ghana, taken in 2009. It comes from Maske, a book by the photographer that shows all sorts of African masks and costumes. You should treat yourself to this beautiful book. It is in print and not expensive. Best wishes to all, Bob, 721
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Boruca mask in need of fix up
Q: Another mask found in a flea market– really well carved and sanded, unpainted, with eyes holes, so it could be worn, though uncomfortably as there is no place for nose. Just curious about its provenance. Looks Native American to me. The wood is tight grained and a soft brown color. I am stumped. Can you help? Paule, 720 A: This is a Devil mask from the Boruca (Borunca, Brunka), a small culture located in southwestern Costa Rica.
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Mwano Pwo mask
Both Lwena and the nearby Chokwe people of southern Democratic Republic of Congo use this type of mask. It represents the ideal female beauty, Mwano Pwo, and is danced with male counterparts, Chihongo, during initiation ceremonies and other important occasions to bring fertility and prosperity to the village. Most share the depiction of facial scarification patterns, filed teeth, fanciful and inventive hair styles. Despite the mask’s appearance and excellent quality of carving, it was probably made to be sold. This is good news because it means you can afford something just like it for your collection.
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Ogoni mask with hinged jaw
Taking photos of your Mystery Mask
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New Guinea mask
Q: I’m interested in selling this. I inherited this mask many years ago and never displayed it. I was told it was from Sepik River, New Giunea, with an origin date of 1800’s to early 1900’s. Let me know. Thanks, David, 718 A: Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea is the correct location for the location of its manufacture, but the accuracy of the origin date is very unlikely.
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The price of African masks
Q: Bought this at garage sale..it looks and feels old and authentic. Made of wood and fabric and shells. Robbie, 717 A: One African art dealer calls this is a Dan Deangle mask from Ivory Coast in West Africa and goes on to say that
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Well-known African mask
Bamoun mask Grassfields region, Cameroon 13 inches, wood The Grassfields Cameroon, West Africa are one of the richer parts of Africa for masks and other forms of art. This dates back to the powerful kingdoms that dominated Cameroon two centuries ago. This mask is very typical of the Bamoun (Bamun) people for village ceremonies and secret society ritual. Today, mask making has grown to become a major income producer for the area. Here is an example that is well carved and in excellent condition. Bob, 715 I just saw a much more expensive mask than this one, which is described in the “Mask for sale” section of our website. Then…
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Biombo mask from the Congo
Interesting but unusual
Even an expert can ask for help
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Good old or bad old?
Q: I’m trying to find out where from and how old this mask is that my wife inherited. The mask’s parameters are as follows: height 10″ width 8″ leather beard 14″ Thanks, Pierre, 714 A: This is a character from the classic dance dramas of Bali. It probably isn’t very old. I say that because if a mask is used for a long time it slowly develops wear and a patina on its surface. This mask is faded, the paint is chipping off and three of the four fangs are broken off. It…
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Tourist masks can look good
Q: I found this mask in an antique store in South Carolina. Was curious what it represents. Thanks! Rosalind, 713 A: This is a decorative piece of art in the style of a Baule mask from Ivory Coast, West Africa. The real ones are called Ndomas by the Baule, and they are said to portray an honored person of the village who is celebrated during a ceremonial dance known as Mblo.
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Royal elephant mask
Q: I live in Sydney, Australia, and I want to know if you can please tell me about the origin, value and history of this wooden elephant mask. It has French Cameroon coins and shells imbedded on it. Please check attached photos. Charbel, 712 A: Large masks like this were made for the Bali ruling class of western Cameroon.
