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.

Q: I have mask that my grandparents got in Africa and just want some information like where in Africa it came from and just what it is.  Chrisitna, 551 A: This unpainted, wooden mask may have come from Africa, but it is not associated with any cultural tradition I am aware of.

Q: It has (or had) feathers around the top of it, and it has black mesh ‘balls’ around the perimeter of the face. The mesh is stuffed with something, although I don’t know with what. Can you tell me which tribe, area of Africa, and what type mask it is? Also if it would have any value or rarity?  Diane, 550 A: I’ve seen pig masks from several different West African countries, but a good guess is the Chokwe people of Angola.

Q: I’ve been collecting masks for a few years and recently acquired an auction lot of W. African masks from a local small auction house that usually has junk, antique tools and farm equipment. I have details of them (and sketches) in a notebook with dates between 1950 – 1990. I’m really fascinated by them and would like to get your opinion. This mask is tiny. The wooden face part is 5″ tall.  Adam, 549 A: Nice Gunye ge mask from the Dan culture of Liberia or Ivory Coast.