Q: Went to a church Thrift Shop last week and they were having a half off sale on the “artwork”. Bought three Indonesian Masks for $20.00! The two smaller ones have real animal tusks (seven each mask)held to the masks with old finishing type nails, the ears attached the same way. Guessing they are definitely tourist-type masks. The largest mask is 10″ wide by 14 1/2″ high and is a one piece carving. Five cobras make up the top of the headdress and the ears are human heads. On the back appear to be missing attachments for the wearer for a head strap, also one hole through the top.…
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Hairy leather mask
Q: Here is a mask that I think is from Nepal. Can you tell me more about it? Hans, 1203 A: Masks made of hairy animal skin do show up occasionally in Nepal, Tibet, and even parts of Europe. I want to put this one on the blog because it projects so much character and, dare I say it, Satanic Power! Hopefully one of our viewers will add a comment.
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Old Venetian carnival mask
Q: I am sending you pictures of a couple of painted light metal (possibly tole). I believe these could be 18th century Venetian masks.They remind me of the “Volto” type, just the mouth here is open. Do you have any information that could help? Nicola, 1202 A: Your research is correct. It is an old Volto character from the traditional Venetian masquerade. It is the most common style and can be seen at many parties around the Western world. Other Venetian mask characters would be the Bauta, Colombina, Plague Doctor, Pantalone, etc. I think both of your Voltos are very collectible. It sure would be nice to know when and…
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Jaguar mask from the Chiriguanos
Q: I purchased this mask at a flea market in San Francisco a while back. The seller didn’t know anything about it but he only charged me $20. It seems to be made from a light weight wood and measures almost 11″ tall 9″ wide and almost 10″ deep. I would love to know where this is from. Dustin, 1201 A: The Encyclopedia Britanica says… “Chiriguano, (pejorative), also called Guaraní, Guaraní-speaking South American Indians living in the Bolivian foothills of the eastern Andes and in Argentina. They are linguistically and culturally related to the Tupí-Guaraní horticulturists living throughout the tropical rain forests of the Amazon basin.” The book, Masks of…
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Mortlock Island mask
I don’t normally do this, but if you go to eBay and search “Mortlock Island mask” you can see and read all about this Micronesian rarity. Earlier today I posted a Polynesian mask that is also unusual. Unlike Melonesia, these two large areas of the world hardly practice masquerade at all. Both masks are rare… and you could actually own this one if you’re willing to spend several hundred dollars. Have you ever seen a Polynesian mask and a Micronesian mask in the same day? Save
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Maori mask from New Zealand
This is the best Maori mask I have seen on the Internet. The quality of the carving is fantastic! Its mouth is open, with the tongue sticking out and the eyes protruding. The expression is aggressive and looks like the grimaces that Maoris make during war dances. However, it is not made for wearing. It celebrates an ancestor and would have been found on a Maori meeting house wall. The lines on this mask mirror Maori tattoos, which they had on their faces to make them look fierce in warfare. Today some Maori people are reviving this artistic tradition as they try to preserve their culture and identity. The Maoris…
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Authentic gallery masks
Aaron: TITLE: Tastoan TYPE: mask GENERAL REGION: Latin America COUNTRY: Mexico SUBREGION: Jalisco ETHNICITY: Nahua DESCRIPTION: Tastoan MAKER: Ubaldo Macías Bernabe, Tonalá (1972- ) CEREMONY: Fiesta de Santiago el Apostól AGE: 2016 MAIN MATERIAL: leather OTHER MATERIALS: cow teeth; animal bone; acrylic paint; lacquer; glue paste; wire; thread; elastic bands In parts of Jalisco and Zacatecas, the holiday in honor of Santiago el Apostól (St. James the Apostle) is held every 25th of July. Celebrants carry spears and dress in long pants, leather chaps, and boots, with demonic masks made of wood (Zacatecas) or molded leather (Jalisco) covered with a montera (headdress) of hair or plant fiber. The festival commemorates a battle between the indigenous warriors of…
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Average Fang mask
Q: I purchased this mask from a woman whose antique store recently went out of business. She had about 10 different masks to choose from and said she had a buyer who collected them from Africa for her. I asked if she knew any details on the mask’s origin, but she didn’t. Though the price is listed as $75, she only asked for $40. Where might this mask have originated from? Looking forward to hearing from you. Amy, 1197 A: You got an important addition to your low-cost African mask collection. This is called a Ngil and could have been used to embody spirits of the deceased by the Fang…
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The famous Guy Fawkes mask
The Guy Fawkes mask is a stylised depiction of Guy Fawkes, the best-known member of the Gunpowder Plot. The plot was an attempt to blow up the House of Lords in London on 5 November 1605, in order to restore a Catholic head of state. The use of a mask on an effigy has long roots as part of Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. A stylised portrayal of a face with an oversized smile and red cheeks, a wide moustache upturned at both ends, and a thin vertical pointed beard, designed by illustrator David Lloyd, came to represent broader protest after it was used as a major plot element in V…
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Rey del Moros from Veracruz
Q: I posted a few others from my trip to Veracruz earlier in the summer. Aaron, 1195 A: Aaron sent some more excellent masks. Here is what he says about this one. TITLE: Rey de Moros TYPE: mask GENERAL REGION: Latin America COUNTRY: Mexico SUBREGION: Veracruz ETHNICITY: Nahua DESCRIPTION: Rey de Moros (King of the Moors) MAKER: Antonio Vázquez Tepo, Xico (1933- ) CEREMONY: Danza de los Moros y Cristianos AGE: 2016 MAIN MATERIAL: wood OTHER MATERIALS: oil-based paint The Danza de los Moros y Cristianos (Dance of the Moors and Christians), also known as the Danza de la Conquista, is an important celebration in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The dance reenacts the reconquest Spain…
