Q: I am a collector of Oceanic material and just bought this mask at a local auction. It is 21 inches long and seems to be old, but I really don’t know where it’s from. It’s full of decoration, mostly scorpions and birds. Niek, 701 A: This is a mystery for the Mask Man as well.
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Very old Diablo Umo
Q: Any ideas? The blue mask has what looks like a date 1957. They were well used. There is a moth eaten felt pad at the inside top to make wearing easier. I have no ideas. Thanks, Gary, 700 A: The Diablo Umo fabric mask is a classic from the Quechua-speaking people of Ecuador.
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Real mask or not
Q: I am super excited to have discovered your site. I have collected masks since I visited Mexico in the summer of 1995. My favourite mask is one I bought in Taxco in a store that was just filled with masks. I know you asked for just one to be submitted but I think the back of the other one is so interesting. It was purchased in an antique store in Honk Kong in 2000. I think I was told it was bamboo root. I don’t buy masks for their value, I really just collect what masks that I enjoy and like to look at. Lucy, 699 A: What I…
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Routine Mexican Devil
Q: Got this mask in Nogales, Mexico 15-20 yrs ago. I also collect Pascola masks from Northern Mexico. What can you tell me about this one? Steve, 698 A: I am a great lover of Mexican masks. The first mask I ever purchased (30 years ago) was Mexican and there are many on my walls at home that I just can’t part with. Even with this favorable prejudice, I am not thrilled with this piece.
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Blind man’s mask
Q: I bought this unusual African mask from a local dealer. He told me it was about 100 years old and from the Ivory Coast. The seller said it was made by the Yaware tribe and used in ceremonies where the magician needed to enter a very deep trance. Apparently the lack of eye holes made that more possible. He also said it was very rare and he’d never seen one like it before. I’m particularly interested in the mouth with the sharp teeth. I’d love to find out what spirits or creature this mask represents and what ceremonies it was used for. I tried to google the Yaware tribe…
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Specialized mask collecting
Even though I’m not a Lucha Libre fan, I know this guy is a currently popular wrestler from Mexico. I’ve seen his picture before. That’s saying something because there are hundreds of wrestlers that wear different masks… and they retire that unique design when the athlete ends his career.
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Realistic looking decorative
Q: I found this mask at an estate sale in my neighborhood and was told it was Balinese but I am now wondering if it could be Mexican as I know there are traditions of Mexican ceremonies in which participants wear masks caved like old men. The mask has attached hair which feels like horse or ox hair. I would appreciate any additional knowledge you may have. Jack, 695 A: Jack, you’re on the right track.
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Bird mask from Indonesia
Q: I have just purchased this mask because I like it. It cost me £50. Have you any ideas about age and origin. Kevin, 694 A: Your Javanese bird mask has a pleasant, old, used look to it. Similar bird masks are also made in Bali.
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Timor has many styles
Q: We bought this mask in Ubud, Bali. It is supposed to be from Timor. Could you please confirm? Thanks, Hugo (Paris, France), 693 A: Timor is 700 miles east of Bali which is a huge market for masks, even from other areas of the world. So it is not surprising that you would find this unusual mask there.
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Big, beautiful croc
Q: I have what I think is a Bwa/Bobo crocodile mask that I was told was about 80 years old, from Burkina Faso. I was wondering if I could send you a few photos of it to see what you might be able to tell me. The closest thing I could find on the web was this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fine-Old-African-Tribal-Mask-Nuna-Bobo-Crocodile-Mask-Burkina-Faso-3-1-2-feet-/321188759293. Many thanks. Laurie, 692 A: That is such a handsome mask, and it is more attractive than the one on eBay. The seller wrote a good description so I’m going to share it with our readers.
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