Q: I bought this Gurunsi antelope mask from a dealer in Ougudougou. It was in perfect condition and the price was fair.  Aaron, 542 A: Once again I’m impressed by your ability to pick out excellent additions to a wonderful mask collection. This one is a perfect example of what the Gurunsi people of southern Burkina Faso would actually use in a ritual dance.

Q: Purchased about 15 years ago, this looks nothing like my other African masks. The main construction is of thin iron. There is a woven material around the periphery of the tower-like portion of the mask. Also, a felt-like material on the forehead. There are some signs of white paint on the tower and the ears, plus what may be attachment holes on the rear periphery. I think it may have been wearable.  Anne & Sam, 536 A: Lots of handsome iron masks have been coming out of Mali in recent years from both the Dogon and Bamana people.

Q: I got three small masks, (one attached) to give as gifts for my sister.  For some info I went on line and came across your web site. How much do you charge to review a mask?  Bill, 534 A: On this blog I just do one mask for free.