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.
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Day of the Dead usually means decorative
Q: I was told this is a Mexican Day of the Dead mask. The rarity, quality and looks have me stumped. Nathan, 524 A: It’s a Guerrero-type face with horns and decoration more common to other states.
