Q: The masks were found at an antiques mall in Alabama by a friend who was visiting the area and who knew I collect such things. He sent the photos and I told him to get both of them. Cost was $35 apiece; the vendors knew nothing about them. I’ll shoot them tomorrow with my camera and send proper shots…those that I sent were from his phone. I am not a collector per se, but I lived and worked in Guatemala and Mexico years ago and acquired masks as part of my broader interest in folk art. I have worked in the Amazon Basin for the past 26 years and…
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Guere mask from Liberia
A dance mask with a mouth that moves from the Guere people of Liberia. Along with the Wobe and Sapo, and the We who live across the border in Ivory Coast, their carved art is similar. Wood with natural pigments, paint, horse hair, rope, leather, feathers, metal studs and other materials are often used in various combinations to make for a frightening appearance. As you can see, reticulating jaws are not uncommon. If it is not authentic, it is a very good reproduction.
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Cululuk, a witch from Bali
Q: My parents bought this mask in Bali in 1968 or so, they told me it was Hanuman, but I don’t think so. Can you recognize the character? Initially he had long black hair. You can see it had real animal hide and we used to hang it by the string on its forehead. Heather, 1405 A: Cululuk is one of several witches in Calonarang, a very popular dance drama still performed on the island nation of Bali, Indonesia. Your piece is slightly above average in craftsmanship. It is in new condition– so it could be used by a dance company from a small town or sold to tourists. It…
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Unusual mask from the DRC
I picked it out (on Pinterest) because I was so impressed by its design and beauty, however there was no description. Many different Kuba masks have strange horns, eyes, mouths, sculpted eyebrows, or intense decoration like this one, but never in this combination. Pende, Luba, and other tribes of the Democratic Republic of Congo are also capable of surprising creativity. Please comment on this African mystery mask.
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Vuvi mask from northern Gabon
This beautiful mask is called a Moghondzi and used mostly at funeral ceremonies. It appears to be authentic and has developed a nice patina over the years. Don’t expect to find something like this in a thrift shop. Interesting fact: the Bwiti people, who live across the border in southern Cameroon, use masks that closely resemble the photo you see. It’s an example of how design ideas are sometimes influenced by nearby cultures. There are so many different tribes in Africa that we see a lot of similarities between them.
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Junkanoo mask from the Bahamas
This Junkanoo celebration is a distinctly Bahamian combination of colorful handmade masks, costumes, cow bells, horns, and rhythmic goat-skin drums pounding out a steady island beat. We have in our Caribbean Category a photo from Jamaica showing a different approach to Junkanoo. Separated by Cuba and miles of sea water, you can see why they are different. Like so many masks and costumes from the region, they are influenced by African artistic traditions. That is a Bahamian boy marching in a young peoples band. A lot of time went into making that costume. Could you make something like that for your kid!
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Cheap Liberian mask
Q: Purchased at a garage sale with a mask from the Congo. Is it made with horsehair and wood? Help! Melissa,1401 A: This quickly-made mask of carved wood and horsehair makes me think of the Grebo, Guere and We people living around that area of West Africa. It was made to sell to tourists or an exporter. It would be appropriate for a beginner’s collection of African traditional art. Call it a repro of a Liberian mask. C
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Rare chimpanzee mask from the Tyrol
Q: I’ve had this mask for 10 years, and paid approx. $80 at an online auction. I’ts a Fasnacht mask from the Tyrol region of Austria. I liked the expressive carving and the hinged jaw. Not sure of it’s age, but I thought I would share it with you since it’s unusual, and I haven’t seen any similar masks online. Dan, 1400 A: This carved wood carnival mask is obviously from the Tyrol. That means it could be used in Austria, South Germany, Eastern Switzerland or Northern Italy at “Fasnacht” to chase away winter. I can see it mixed in with those crazy Krampus characters. But it is very rare.…
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Old, used Urhobo mask, Nigeria
Q: I found this mask at a thrift store. Can you tell me anything about it? Mike, 1399 (no email address)A: This appears to be a museum quality mask, not a fake. I have shown it to several dealers and collectors, all of whom have different opinions. Now it is published on the Mask Man blog and I am waiting for your opinion. After we hear from you I’ll make a decision and post a comment for all to see. Then something nice will be sent to the winner. 🙂
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Ogoni masks from Nigeria
Q: Because of a heavy depression I started to make masks on a very basic level. The mask in attachment really interests me but I have no clue on where to position it. I was thinking Ogoni but I can’t retrace it there. Bart, 1398 A: Unfortunately your photo is low resolution, so I picked a sharper example. This beautiful black & white Ogoni has the separated-to-move lower jaw, the snub nose, diamond-shaped lips, coiffure with side parting and piercing around the rim that we’ve come to expect from the Ogoni culture. Your yellow mask is also pictured. Do you actually carve and paint tribal masks? Could you send…
