Though faded and dirty, this colorful red Moor mask is a classic. It could be over a 100 years old, or a very well made replica. Moor masks can also be painted gray, brown or black. The Dance of the Moors and Christians is an important celebration in the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Talaxcala and Puebla. The dance arose from the teachings of missionaries as part of an effort to instill respect for and fear of the Spaniards in the indigenous peoples, and to convince them that the victory of Christianity over other faiths—by violence whenever necessary—was inevitable.
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Catrin mask from Tlaxcala, Mexico
Tlaxcala is a small state close to the center of Mexico where they have many carnivals with masked dancer called Catrins. The characters portrayed can be male or female, any age or any race. They are also of high quality and often sell to visiting tourists for a lot of money. This black boy mask has been dance a lot. A mush beer gets drunk at the carnivals, which may explain the damage. Newer ones can be magnificence works of art. One of the great things about Mexican masks is that you can find high art and primitive, low art. Better yet, there are all kinds of animals, monsters, gods,…
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Mexican creativity continued
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World famous maskmaker from Bali
Q: I purchased this mask at an auction in Florida 3 years ago and only recently became interested in its background and value. The back is labeled IDA BAGUS ALIT, BALI, 2c. Thank you for any info you might have. Keith, 1802 A: The surname “Anom” should have been written on the rear of your mask. Shops sometimes make spelling mistakes. He was one of the finest Balinese carvers ever… and Bali made the best with masks, with the possible exception of the Japanese. Yours has not been painted. Also, it appears to me fairly old and is not one of his best works. Ida Bagus Anom was an…
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Interesting Dan gle mask
Q: I found this little passport Dan mask in a flea market for a bargain price. What made me interested was just the rear, which looked older. It was only 20 cm long, more or less. Can you please give me your opinion? Monica, 1803 A: Of course, this is some sort of Dan mask. It has several interesting features. There are two pairs of extra holes for fastening it to a belt or a body part. The carving does not appear to have been done with modern steel tools. And, as Monica points out, the rear looks authentically old. There are perhaps more Dan masks than any other kind.…
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Beautiful African mask
Q: I am unable to define the possible origin of this mask. It was acquired it a few years ago because it has a “mysterious” look. After some personal research I found that the geographical origin could be the Ivory Coast region and it has some features of the Guro tribe. Notice the scarifications on the forehead and cheeks. The overall condition is good. It is 20 cm high. Thanks for your advice. Patrick, 1801 A: My advice is for you to keep this beautiful mask… or give it to a museum. You are right, it is probably a female character from the Guro or Baule of Ivory Coast. It’s…
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Mask worn on waist
Q: Here are the Mexican masks I’ve photographed and cataloged so far. I have many more to do. Pick any one you want. Kevin, 1800 A: I’ll but pick the most unusual one. It is a newly made decorative from Guerrero, Mexico. Some of the dancers in that state impersonate St. James, fish, mermaids, or horses that they wear around their waists as if they’re riding them. Though these strange masks are popular with tourists and mask collectors now, they’ve been danced in Guerrero for hundreds of years. This one would never be danced. Only a tourist will buy one with the tail of a mermaid…
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Traditional native American mask
Q: Hi there. My grandma has recently passed on. When I was growing up she had these creepy ass masks hanging in her one hallway. Well, I’m not sure if I would never forget them, but she left me all the masks in her will. No origin or any other info, she just said Erienne gets her favorite wall hangings (the masks). I was wondering if you could tell me anything about them, ie. orgin, worth, etc. 1799 A: For thousands of years Native American carvers have been making colorful masks for traditional dances and other ceremonies. Nowadays they are also made for collectors. It a shame you find them…
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Large, old Nepali mask
Q: Acquired this mask in Kerala, India, in the back warehouse of an antiques dealer. I found it highly unusual, as it features 2 Bhairavs (the wrathful manifestation of Shiva ) topped with a carving of the Goddess Kali. I’ve seen many Bhairav masks, as well as double or triple Bhairav masks, but never with Kali at the crown. Undoubtedly Nepali, though I am unsure of the full meaning behind this combination. When I found it it was grey, but after some cleaning it revealed the two lower Bhairavs were red and blue. It is a large mask, measuring 30” X 16” X 7” deep. David, 1798 A: Thank you…
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Dan look-a-like
Q: Please take a look at my photos and let me know what exactly this is. Thank you so much. I just collect all kinds. I really like the vintage masks. Debbie, 1797 A: I think it is a recently made fake mask meant to sell for a lot of money. It has been carefully carved, accessorized and aged… a beautiful piece of decorative art that reminds one of the Dan culture in Ivory Coast and Liberia. Let’s hope it gets a nice home. However, only authentic masks should sell for a lot of money. Carefully made reproductions should sell for less. When artistic originality is introduced, the price…
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Igbo crest mask from Africa
The Igbo crest mask of the middle Cross River region in Southern Nigeria has an extremely rich and diverse masking tradition that embodies the spirits of tribal ancestors. The mask projects expressive facial features with white pigment, sensitive eyes, aquiline nose, open mouth showing teeth and an elaborate hairstyle that is one of the most artistic I have seen. Crest masks share stylistic forms of neighboring tribal groups such as the Idoma, Ijo, Isoko, Ibibio and Ekoi. They were danced in ceremonies for fertility, to cure illness, and at funerals.
