Q: I got it from my father in law who spent time in Japan after WW2. It is about 10″ from the top down to the nose and 10 wide (ear to ear). It is a lightweight wood, painted. Some of the paint has peeled off but a lot is still there. Tony, 533 A: The Japanese people were desperate for goods and services during the first few years of occupation and willingly traded family heirlooms to make ends meet.
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Interesting for sure
Q: I have an interesting and rare African mask that I would like to sell. I do not have experience in these matters and I would not like to be under-compensated for the piece. Theo, 532 A: Your Chokwe mask is attractive to tourists and collectors, but does not have much resale value.
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Turtle shells are a favorite in Tibet
Q: I found this mask at a flea market in Belgium yesterday. Thing is that it’s REALLY well made and I’d like to know if it’s in any particular ancient style you know of. Sam, 531 A: This is called a Kapala turtle mask and used for Tantric Buddhist ceremonies in the Himalayas or just for good luck in the home.
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The best Noh masks are carved wood
Q: This Noh mask is made up of layers– the back is black lacquer, then white gesso, and finally a brown fibrous material. 21cm tall. Any idea of it’s age, what character it represents? Rho, 530 A: The Noh theater tradition goes way back.
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We’ve never seen this one
Q: I found your website and want to know more about this mask. I have had a few others but can’t find this one anywhere. Wayne, 529 A: Any helpful comments will be appreciated. The Mask Man knows a little bit about a lot of cultures, however, not all of them. Is that a cobra on the forehead? What about the pointed eyes, weird nose, and cleft upper lip?
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It looks authentic to me
Q: I was wondering what you thought of the attached. It is allegedly a Borneo Dayak mask from the 1940s, acquired by a WWII veteran. It looks authentic to me, but I was wondering if you had an opinion. Aaron, 528 A: It looks authentic (old and used) to me as well. But a seller saying it was brought back by a WWII vet is not provenance that buyers will believe. You need documents such as a letter from the South Pacific, an old snap shot, names and addresses of owner(s).
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Wish I knew more about this Mexican
Q: Sticker says Oaxaca, but the Oaxacan masks I have seen are very brightly colored. It also has three strips of what appears to be embossed snake skin. Stephanie, 527 A: I’ve seen masks like this before, but
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How good is this Iroquois mask?
Q: The source identified it as “Iroquois Blind Man” mask. I wonder if you have any additional insight on it? Paul, 525 A: They have been selling these in reservation souvenir shops for many years.
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Classic mask from the Sepik River area
Q: Can you tell me more about this mask from PNG? Julie, 522 A: It is a classic mask from the Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea.
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Excellent carving with fine details
Q: I was told this was a protective mask. Almost 2-ft high. Caitilin, 523 A: This is a high-end tourist mask from Tibet or Nepal.
