Q: I keep finding slightly damaged Japanese masks on the market. Do the Japanese grade things differently than the US does? This seems to confirm it. The Japanese seller considers this mask to be “fair.” Interesting to see such different grades of quality being applied. Nate, 563 A: A lot of Western collectors are obsessed with authenticity.
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Unique mask from Tibet
Q: I bought this from a guy who called it an “African” mask. It’s a cloth hooded mask that fits over the head (you can see part of the red hood through the eye holes). It’s got a distinctively Asian feel. The cowrie shells on the face (and one hanging from a felt nose) are throwing me off a little. Something about this mask looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t decide where I’ve seen anything like it. Nothing similar is in any of my books. I kind of feel like it might be some ethnic minority Chinese wedding mask or something, but it’s pure speculation. Do you have any idea? …
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Wow! Another Indian mask
Q: This papier mache mask was found at indoor flea market. Would like to know more about it. Thank you. Mickey, 561 A: Another Indian mask! In the previous post I expressed my disappointment that Indian masks were not more appreciated by collectors…
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How do you find out about Indian masks?
Q: Here is a very heavy, 17-inch tall Indian mask carved out of a hunk of wood. What do you think… is this piece ethnographic or tourist? Nate, 560 A: Ethnographic Indian for sure. But I don’t know where in India it is from or what use it was intended for.
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Traditional masquerade continues to evolve
In recent years Phyllis Galembo, Professor of Art at the University of Albany, has traveled around the world photographing traditional masquerade. She finds villages where the rituals and celebrations are still in use and she captures these beautiful performers on film. One of her books, Maske, published in 2010, is filled with photos from Africa and the Caribbean. The mask (on the left) is from an Aromgba village in Nigeria. Here are a few more of her pics.
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Guatemalan masks have strong traditions
Q: Thoughts on this one? Is it turn of the century Guatemalan? The original eyes likely were glass. About 1/3 of the side of the mask once fall off and was glued back on. Would adding new glass eyes add value or subtracts? Nate, 558 A: It’s an old, used, classic Guatemalan probably from a lesser morreria, but I can’t see any initials.
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Authentic or decorative– both can be desireable
Q: I got this big chicken in Mexico many years ago. Its 30 inches tall and 9 wide. Thanks for any info you might have. Jerry, 557 A: Decorative masks are not only made for the tourist trade in Mexico,
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This African is still a mystery
A: You helped me a week ago with my African pig mask. I have another mask, but I see you only do one mask per person. How can I get you to look at another mask? Diane, 556 Q: I don’t do two or more in a row, but I’ll make an exception this time because I’m intrigued with this particular mask.
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Shaman’s mask from the Far North
Q: The attached photos are of a mask I purchased from an estate in Maryland. I was told the previous owner had a few mask in her collection and other collectibles from Alaska. Not sure if it is Alaskan and the reason for sending you photos. The depiction of teeth is something common in many Alaskan masks. What are your thoughts. Alfonso, 555 A: I’m not sure either, but I’ll bet it’s from one of the indigenous people of Alaska, Siberia or Northern Canada.
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Beautiful religious artifact
Q: Recently I purchased a mask from a local shop in Sydney which sells various goods from Oceania and Africa. The mask is made of wood covered with metal strips and wires (copper?). I like its look and enjoy having it in my house, and would be very grateful if you let me know if this mask is of any significance. Ted, 554 A: A very nice piece indeed, it is a reliquary figure from the Mahongwe people of Gabon, West Africa.
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