Northeast of Papua New Guinea is the much smaller island of New Ireland. Though small in size and population, the Melanesian people who live there have always had a rich tradition of masquerade. After the Cook explorations in the middle 19th century, a few of their masks began to show up in Europe, and like so many of the West African masks (the Yaure-Baule you just saw), those few Oceanic masks also had an effect on European modern art. If you go to the “Oceania” category in our archive you can see another much different mask from New Ireland. They are both very artistic and complex, and unfortunately, quite rare.…
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Beautiful Yaure mask from Africa
This is such great art I know you will enjoy seeing it. Imagine the impact pieces like this had on European painters and sculptures in the late 19th century! The following copy from a tribal art dealer’s ad is interesting… These sculptural masks have often been identified as Yaure, a less populous group who depending on their proximity to their neighbors either speak Baule or Mande. Both Yaure and Baule art, culture and masquerade performances are closely related. The Yaure masks have similar horn like projections carved with patterns and oval heart shaped faces. The scalloped hairline and elaborately carved patterns above it, representing the coiffure, are also typical of…
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Day of the Dead masks from Mexico
Day of the Dead celebrations will soon kick off in Mexico, with millions of revelers taking to the streets to honor their lost loved ones. People often construct their own private altars, where they honor the dead with a number of different gifts. Sugar skulls and marigolds are among the offerings given up, as well as the favorite food and drinks of the departed. Skull masks are both worn and displayed. As the years have gone by, the designs have become even more intricate and extravagant. Not long ago, the first ever Day of the Dead parade took place in Mexico’s capital and it’s believed that this addition to the…
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Javanese traditional dance mask
Q: I purchased a mask at an antique dealer estate sale for $5 because I thought it was interesting. I think it may be Javanese. It’s made of thin wood and measures just under 7″ x 6″ wide. Would you know approximate age, origin & value? Kevin, 1223 A: As I say on the website, we do appraisals for a fee. I can tell your colorful lady is a character in one of the classic dance dramas of Java, and certainly worth more than you paid. The carving quality is good but the painting is below average. None the less, it will look good on the wall. I can’t tell…
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Native American Octopus mask
Q: Got this mask from a neighbor who passed away. Was told a few names who it could be from the signature, done a lot of research and can’t confirm an artist nor tribe. Logan, 1224 A: Let’s not give up on this excellent, very original tribal mask from the Northwest Coast of Canada or the US called “Transforming Octopus.” Unfortunately I can’t read the carver’s signature. There are a number of skilled Indian carvers from this area and plenty of collectors from all over who could help us learn more about this mask. I hope some of them make a comment. Here’s my comment. NWC Indian carvers make some…
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The Darth Vader mask for Halloween
We’re getting close to Halloween. It’s an important holiday in the USA– relying heavily on masquerade, and second only to Christmas in its popularity. My favorite Halloween mask is the Darth Vader helmet. You could call it a futuristic version of Samurai armor. Rather than talk about Star Wars or construction details, I will point out that this is also a great work of art. To use a term most of our viewers are familiar with, it could become an important ethnographic artifact. Bob, 1222 Save Save Save
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Fasching mask from the German or Austrian Alps
Q: I need your help or advice: you posted time ago a mask in the Europe section, a mask you wondered if it was the Rubenzahl character…(see foto attached). I have recently acquired two devil masks which seem to be from the very same carver. However, I have no info at all on my masks, the seller did not know anything. I suspect them to be from Austria, so called Perchten masks. They might be old, but I am not so sure. So, I need to do research. Do you have any info on your posted mask as of carver, age, origin, link of the posted mask or owner? This…
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Dan racer mask from W. Africa
Q: Please appraise this mask for me. I appreciate it. Richard, 1220 A: We do not do appraisals as part of our free “Ask the Mask Man” service. But the Dan you sent in is a modern copy (albeit, of poor quality) of one of the most collectible masks in the world. You can read about the two basic types on page 20 of our book, Masks of the World, or go to Google for much more info. I decided to show first an old, used racer mask that, despite its condition, still shows off the exquisite proportions of this very-collectable piece of folk art. It would sell for…
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Flums Carnival Mask
Here is a fine European mask recently acquired by Aaron. The following is written by him. COUNTRY: Switzerland SUBREGION: Flums ETHNICITY: Swiss DESCRIPTION: Chrottni Mask MAKER: Margrit Stoop, Flums (1926-?) CEREMONY: Fasnacht (carnival) AGE: 1974 MAIN MATERIAL: wood OTHER MATERIALS: paint; dyed burlap Fasnacht is what the Swiss call Carnival. In many towns in Austria, southern Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy, local folk don elaborate masks and costumes to parade through the town. Different towns have variations on the parade, such as the Schemenlaufen of Imst, the Schellerlaufen of Nassereith, and the Muller and Matschgerer of Innsbruck, Austria. In Flums, carnival masks have a distinctive pear shape and tend to have a satirical purpose. The Flums style has…
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One-eyed, black-skinned Moor from Mexico
Q: I posted the last 2 masks from Veracruz, both Moors but in very different styles. Scans are attached f you’re interested in seeing them. Aaron, 1218 A: As always, thank you for sharing your recent mask acquisitions with us. It seems you are able to tract down wonderful finds in any part of the world. Couldn’t we do the same? Try this… Just Google the indigenous people who populate the area where you are going. Also, don’t be afraid to visit some museums or read books ahead of time. The more you know, the better your results will be. Obviously, Aaron does a lot of research. Here is what…
