Besides being known as a beautiful, colonial beach side town, Jacmel is one of the leading producers of papier-mâché in all of Haiti. In fact, this dazzling town of about 40,000 residents is famous for its arts and has dozens of studios and shops where papier-mâché is made, sold and celebrated especially during Haiti’s Carnival, which is pre-Lenten and was introduced to the African slaves who worked in cane fields and sugar factories many years ago. Now would be a good time to visit Jacmel. Bob,1287 B+
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Koryak mask from Siberia
In Siberia, wood masks were used only by the Koryak people and were of simple construction, usually depicting gaunt-faced men. Animal masks or masks of semi-human beings, so widely used in North America, were not known. The reduced importance of masquerade in Northeastern Siberia as compared with northwestern America makes them hard to find. Koryak masks are most similar to masks of Native Americans from Barrow, Alaska. Bob, 1286
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Javanese tourist mask
Q: Would like to know origin of this mask. Very light weight and paint looks original. Bought, as usual, at a thrift shop. Thinking Java? Mickey, 1285 A: It is from Java, but not old. It is easy to see that this decorative wall-hanging was quickly carved, painted with some nice colors, and then antiqued to make it look old. Antiquing is easy to do with stained varnish and a rag. On this piece it is obvious, but some mask makers are very skilled and can fool you. Mickey bought it at a thrift store for very little money, but some tourists pay a lot more thinking the mask is…
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Ancient Greek theater mask
Greek theater began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theater. Thus the works of such great playwrights as Sophocles and Aristophanes formed the foundation upon which all modern theater is based. The early tragedies had only one actor who would perform in costume and wear a mask, allowing him to impersonate gods. Later, the actor would often speak to the leader of the chorus, a group of up to…
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Noh masks can change expression
Since we have just seen Blake’s Noh maiden, I found this pic on Wikipedia. It shows a mask straight on, slightly tilted, and then tilted more. This is just another example of what makes these masks so extraordinary. The performer (always a man) can change the character’s expression by simple tilting his head. This photo is hi-res so you can enlarge it. There is much more about Noh masks in the Wikipedia story. Bob
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Woman character in Noh theater
Q: It appears to be a traditional Noh Mask, although I am not sure if its authentic or a reproduction. The glossy back inside of the mask throws me off. Would it be worth appraising? Thanks! Blake, 1282 A: This type of female mask is almost as popular as the she-devil known as Hannya. The craftsmanship that goes into Japanese masks for the theater is arguably the most advanced in the world. The best ones are carefully carved out of wood, then painted and sanded many times. This one is a very careful reproduction made out of a strong, molded material. The Japanese hang these in their homes and give…
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Authentic Chokwe pig mask
In the DRC, mask performances that include Ngulu, the domestic pig, are highly entertaining. Ngulu either dances erect or performs on all fours to dramatize the erratic and uncontrollable nature of pigs. During performances, the dignified movements of such human characters as Pwo, the female ancestor, teaches acceptable social behavior in contrast with the unacceptable behavior of some animal characters. Teaching techniques such as dancing masks and puppetry are used during social gatherings for entertainment, to affirm creation myths, and as well in the initiation ceremonies of young boys who then mature into adulthood. Some people who send mask pictures to me are surprised when I say it is a…
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13 Yaka masks in Brussels show
Yaka masks at Didier Claes stand this year in the famous Brussels show. BRAFA has no ‘best stand’ prize, but a strong contender would have been Didier Claes Gallery for sourcing a dozen impressive Yaka masks from the Congo, all at least 50 years old yet complete with raffia fibers. They’re used for the ritual dances associated with circumcision and coming of age, hence the phallic-tending noses and the variety of sizes, different masks with differing powers being worn as the ceremony progresses. They sold out at around €15-20,000 each. As a group of 13 they make quite an impression.
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Himalayan mask of Mahakala
Q: I live in Paris and came across this mask a few weeks ago. It looks fine for the patina and the wear. Stylistically, it appears to come from Bhutan. Especially because of the bridge on the back of the mask that permit it to sit on top of the head allowing the dancer to look through the mouth of the mask. Sorry I do not have a side view. Any ideas? I am more into Buddhist art but collecting interesting masks once in a while. Many thanks for your help. Steve, 1279 A: It’s a Mahakala and could be from Bhutan, Nepal or Tibet. The big question is whether…
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Dan/We/Guere mask that looks old
This well-used example of We, Dan or Kran masks is from Ivory Coast or Liberia. The mask shows signs of long use and excellent age. This mask belongs to the category of Kaogle and was traditionally associated with warfare. It was also used for judicial and educational ceremonies. Kaogle mask was also used as a dancing mask that served a number of functions in the Poro secret society. Masks like this are referred to as spirits. Today, like most masks still being produced in this territory, they are used primarily for the entertainment of both villagers and tourists. This mask comes from Africa Direct, a large and successful dealer of…
