The Bidjogo people make four versions of the bull mask which they still use today. Here is an excellent description of these realistic masks. Skip to paragraph 3 if you aren’t interested in their history. The historical significance of the ox for the Bidjogo peoples dates back to European encounters of the late fifteenth century, when Portuguese sailors introduced the animal to the Bissagos Islands in what is current day Guinea Bissau. Its prominent role gained momentum during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when warring villages stole stock from one another and foreign traders borrowed cattle on credit, all against the backdrop of a thriving slave trade that exacerbated existing…
-
-
Old-style Charlie Chaplin mask
Q: Hi, I got this mask on a yard sale, I’ve never seen something like it, and am asking for an opinion. Ericka, 1577 A: At the age of 82, I have seen images of Charlie Chaplin hundreds of times. But for millennials he could be ancient history. Several years ago I posted a very similar mask. The copy said… Halloween Charlie Chaplin Mask. Dresden, Germany. Painted papier mache. Hand-painted and constructed of heavy papier mache, this mask probably was made for Fasching. Germans call the pre-Lenten Carnival Fasching or Fastnacht, Americans call it Marti Gras. Here is what Wikipedia says today… Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 1889 –…
-
More masks from India
A month ago I wrote how important Indian masks could be to collectors around the world. If there were some good books or websites we might begin to see them on the market. These masks can come from the traditional theater dances and parades of cities, or from the ceremonies of many different ethnic groups in villages around the country. Today there are over 1,349,000 people living in India. That is more than all of Africa– from Morocco to Madagascar. These four masks from different parts of India are new to me. I can’t tell you the names, purpose or origin of them. Wouldn’t be nice if a visitor would…
-
Ask the Mask Man or professional appraisal
Q: Got this from a dealer in Port Moresby. I would like to know its authenticity, value and where/tribe it came from. Old or new? After my answer, John wrote… I am interested in an appraisal, and information on where the mask is from (in Papua New Guinea) whether it is an authentic mask that was used in ceremonies, and whether it is particularly valuable. John, 1575 A: The answers that are posted on this site usually show 3 good photographs of the mystery mask, some interesting background info, and an A, B, C, D evaluation with can roughly suggest its value. An appraisal describes the mask, talks about marketing…
-
Tigre mask from Olinala, Guerrero
Q: Here I am again. The last time I had a mystery mask, you were stumped. I now have a more obvious one. It’s a Mexican tiger mask witch I paid 37.50 Euros for it. Is it made for the tourists? Height is 25cm. Thank you in advance. Roosje, 1574 A: In Mexico, Tigre means Jaguar. These large cats once occupied the entire country, but are now almost extinct. The Aztecs wore masks like this, and the masks are used in various places for dances and celebrations. In Olinala, Guerrero, they still wear the Tigre masks while dancing down the street carrying bundles of farm produce. This is part of…
-
Bamana helmet crest
Q: Good day Mr Ibold, it is me again and I appreciate your support. Please find attached a mask also collected in the Congo during the 50’s. 70 cm long and covered in (dried) mud. And most certainly weathered. Jan, 1573 A: The only problem with the description is that it implies made in the Congo area. Actually, it was made in Mali, far away in the northwest of Africa. This helmet crest is called a Komo by the Bamana people of Mali and is worn on the masquerader’s head. I think yours is authentic. The most important society for the Bamana was the Komo, whose members were grouped by…
-
Chinese opera mask
Q: This time I sent you a mask of the Beijing theater. I suppose it may be original because on the back, under the nostrils, I saw a stain that could be caused by the breath. I hope I got it right this time. Monica, 1572 A: You are right. Peking and Beijing opera, are the most dominant form of Chinese opera which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. These are performed all over the country. The number of these masks being made is huge. Papier mache opera mask are probably the favorite method performers use as makeup. Since such opera masks are used in representing various human…
-
Old We/Guere mask
Q: This mask was given to my mother, Mary Ellen Goodman, PhD, by one of her professors, the famous anthropologist Clyde Kluckhohn, probably in the late 1930s. I’ve always loved it but don’t know anything about it. Images are shot against an 8.5×11 inch paper for scale. Lanny, 1571 A: This is probably an old We Guere Mask from the people of Cote d’Ivoire. If it was found in a thrift shop or on eBay, I would dismiss it as a cheap tourist mask. But because of the family provenance, I think we should look at it more closely. The size and wood seems right. None of the surfaces are…
-
Metal monkey mask from Bolivia
Q: Bob, thought you might enjoy this Bolivian mask I picked up a while back for $90 online. It’s painted tin, as many of the Bolivian carnival masks are, but it’s an unusual monkey form that I’ve never seen before. Dan, 1570 A: Bolivian celebrations feature all kinds of masks. Probably the condor is their most common animal mask, and for almost 50 years of collecting I have seen others. Masks are an essential part of Bolivian celebrations, allowing dancers to adopt the personalities which populate the country’s myths and legends. Demons, dragons and angels join representations of real-world creatures like birds, bears and beavers. Most interesting are the masks…
-
Classic Javanese dance mask
Q: I have an interesting mask to show you that I believe comes from Indonesia. I got it in a trade with another collector. It has some patina and sign of usage. Steve, 1569 A: Thanks for the improved photos. Your masks is from Java and represents a common character in their traditional dance dramas. Unfortunately, I still can’t be sure if it was used or artificially aged. Maybe one of our viewers will comment on that. Look at the beautiful colors that go so well with the classic yellow. Plus, the carving is skillfully done and almost paper thin. Weather it’s a repro or the real deal, I think…
