Q: This is another mystery mask from my collection. When I purchased it years ago, it was described as an old “Cross River” mask, but I haven’t been able to find anything similar in searches using that description. It appears to be old and used with surface wear, stains and multiple layers of paint.There’s a square slot and a few nails at the top where it may have had a figure or crest attached at one time. Hoping one of your African experts can shed some light on this. Dan, 1128 A: The first mask shown is from the Ibibio people who live in the Cross Rivers area of southern…
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Sogo Bo rod puppet head from Mali
Puppet heads can fit into a mask collection very nicely. This 36 inch high antelope could easily be the largest “mask” on your living room wall. The Bozo people of Mali enjoy puppet performance done outside in a curtained enclosure where the puppeteers manipulate their characters by working from below with an extended rod. This one is Daje, a roan antelope who’s mouth and the little farmer with a hoe between his horns, can be activated with strings from below. It resembles a mask until you look at the rear. Another nice thing about African puppet heads is they come from actual performers who have used them. They are true…
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Mexican mask of clay
Q: Thank you for taking time to comment on my last submission. Those kind words reignited my love for these wonderful artifacts, which leads to the following request. I have recently come across another mask that sparked my interest. It is billed as a hand-carved 19th century Mexican mask. It appears, however, that this is a terracotta mask, which calls into question the seller’s billing. I am aware that terracotta masks were made but were done so in the pre-Hispanic period. The seller, who is not a professional, is asking $75 for the mask. Is the mask a hoax or worth the asking price? Thanks in advance for any help…
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African Lega mask with sparkles
Q: I found this mask in Tanzania and I have not seen anything like it before. The seller claimed it was a mask used in moon ceremonies. The raffia is not original. It is a thin mask so I could not really get a side photo. The white portion is sunk in though. It is also very light in weight. One of the unique aspects of the mask is that the holes down the nose and across the brow have a metallic luster. The sheen appears to be some light colored impurities (sand? clay?) that have settled or been placed into these darkened grooves. There are also reflective small sparkles…
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Baule Ram Mask
Q: You recently answered a question about a mask I was looking at. You suggested purchasing true artifacts or quality replicas. Are the NOVICA masks considered quality replicas? I appreciate all your help. Ray, 1124 A: I admire that NOVICA (owned by National Geographic) for representing artists from third world countries and paying them more than they would get from other buyers. The first Baule ram mask was made by one of their talented carvers. It can be purchased from NOVICA at a very reasonable price. The second mask is from another internet dealer and its price is five times higher. It looks like it’s old and used, but…
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Iroquois False Face Mask
Q: This mask was given to my Father-in-law (who recently passed away) by a friend in Gallop, New Mexico, in the early 1960’s. We believe it is an Iroquois False Face mask, but there are no markings on the inside, so it might be a replica. What info can you provide? Richard, 1123 A: I think this is a well carved example of the bent-nose-and-mouth-style mask that would be hard to find these days. 55 years ago there were some talented Native American carvers that did good work like this, and they often didn’t sign them. I have written about similar Iroquois masks on the Mystery Mask blog before. Also,…
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Demon mask from the Himalayas
Q: Hoping to learn more regarding the origin of this mask. Is it from Borneo? Looking at other masks online it seems to bear resemblance to the Oni masks of Japan. This mask was purchased by a donor in 1984-85 in Kuching, Sarawak on the island of Borneo from an antique dealer. This mask is part of an art collection at a small college. Just curious if we could learn anything new! Sarah, 1122 A: I can’t find a picture of a similar mask anywhere. The wax seal is something the Nepalese customs service used to place on the rear of masks purchased for export. It is likely to be…
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Bolivian Devil Mask with Lizard
Q: This Bolivian mask represents a character from the Diablada known as a “Maligno” or “Demonio.” It was made in La Paz, but it was probably used in the Oruro carnival. It’s composed of linen covered in plaster, then painted. The details such as the lizard on the head are mostly plaster, but there are solid wood anchors for the horns (which are removable). The eyes are hand-painted glass, and the front teeth are probably sheep’s teeth. I’m not sure what the eyelashes are made from. The mask dates to the 1960s. Aaron, 1121 A: Once again Aaron shares with us a fine example of traditional masquerade. This is the…
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The big bearded Mexican
Q: Hello and thank you for making contact available. Attached are three images of a mask that I have had for many decades. I bought it as a Spanish Barbone and know little else about it except that it is old and wonderful. Your perspective would be appreciated. Andrea,1120 A: The Barbone has been a popular tourist mask in Mexico for many years. And why not? That big, stylish beard is absolutely gorgeous. It has also been a subject of controversy. Some time ago these masks were thought to be historically important artifacts worth lots of money. Now we know they came from a workshop in Guerrero and were intended…
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Charming old Mexican mask
Q: I am a small time collector and acquired this mask about 20 years ago from an antique mall in Phoenix, AZ. I do not remember the exact amount I paid but it was somewhere around $50, which I recall being a real stretch for me! The mask is approx 5.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide. I have always wondered whether this mask was actually used and, if so, where it came from. Even if it turns out that this guy was made as tourist fodder it still remains the favorite in my small collection. Eric, 1119 A: I too love Mexican masks, and this appears to be a…
