Chris sent this in. His description is better than I could do, so here it is. The YouTube link at the end is in German. I which I could understand the old carver. I would like to contribute with a mask which I found some time ago on a local internet platform. I knew instantly that it would be a mask from the area around Sargans, eastern Switzerland, as of its style and the characteristic hood attached to the mask. The previous owner had the (unused) mask in her family for a long time, but she did not know much more about it. I managed to find a carver in…
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Unusual African fish mask
Q: I bought this African mask for 65 Euros. It’s carved in wood, 76cm x 18cm x 15cm height. I was told it was Punu, but i don’t think so. I looked at your precious book and browsed in Internet, and I think it comes from Burkina Faso area. Probably could be Mossi, or Bobo, or Bozo. Can I have your opinion? Many thanks for your answer, and even for sharing your collection by books and website. Stefano, 1036 A: This is a great fish mask meant to be worn on top of the dancer’s head. I immediately went to Ways of the Rivers by Anderson and Peek. It’s about…
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World’s oldest masks displayed
A collection of the world’s oldest masks, dating back to the dawn of civilization, have gone on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The 9,000-year-old stone masks are thought to have been made to resemble the spirits of dead ancestors. They have round holes for eyes, tiny noses and prominent displays of teeth. Experts say they were made in the hills and deserts near Jerusalem and offer a rare glimpse of some of civilization’s first communal rituals. They are thought to have made at a critical turning point that saw the birth of agriculture and the abandonment of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. James Snyder, director of the Israel Museum, said…
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Carved wood Arctic mask
Q: My father recently passed who was an avid collector of Native American pottery, rugs and baskets. These items currently are with Heritage Auction for a sale in November but we found these after those items left for sale. We just want to know if they are “junk” or have real significant value. I can try to get to them later today (in storage) for better imagery but I do know given my father’s contacts they are more than likely somewhat authentic. Jackie, 1034 A: You sent me six small pictures, of which this is a larger version of one. I think they are all Native American artifacts from the…
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Colorful PNG mask
Q: This New Guinea mask is coming up in an estate sale this Tuesday morning. Unfortunately this is the only pic that was online and I will have to make a decision on the spot. The starting bid is $300. I know it is not much to go on but any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Herb, 1033 A: PNG mask prices vary according to the following: (A) pre contact, (B) carved with modern tools, (C) made for the tourist trade. Without better photos I would lean toward B and C. I like the look of it, but this is only my artistic taste. If we…
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A swinger from South of the border
Q: Found this today at a barn sale in Pennsylvania and was wondering if it’s a carnival mask? Central America? Not a collector, just couldn’t leave it behind. 8 inches high and 6 inches across. Thanks. Terence, 1032 A: It is a carnival mask from somewhere in Mexico, or maybe Guatemala. But more importantly, it is old, well used, yet still in good condition. I get a special kick out the cigarette hole which clearly has been used. I’ve also heard of booze being poured down holes like this. Mexican and Central American carnivals can get pretty rowdy. I think you have a nice cultural artifact. A Save Save
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Suggestions for Mask Man
Called Hannya, this famous character shows up in several Noh dramas as well as Kyogen plays and Shinto rituals. Hannya is also popular in America as a tattoo subject, good luck charm and decorative wall hanging. What you see here is a mask for the use of a professional actor in Japan. Note that several stages of construction are shown. Most of the time people send me pictures of masks they can’t identify, but I also show photos that illustrate other aspects of mask collecting. Anything is possible on this blog. I hope you will help me improve this service with your opinions. Feel free to write a little or…
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Good-looking tigre mask
Mexican mask collectors know that tigre is what they call a jaguar. Though now extinct, they were once the apex predator in that part of the world. Yellow masks with black dots and sharp teeth are featured in many different dances all around Mexico. Village carvers sell their products to local dancers as well as tourists (who are willing to pay more). The good news for collectors is that the tourists often get the prettier, more creative versions. Mexico is indeed a very artistic culture. Save Save
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Indian mask made of bone
Q: The mask came from an inheritance when my friend died at the Oakville reservation (Chehalis tribe), in Washington. It will be a trade of medicine. We never discussed monetary values… it was a part of her memories of a past pow wow. I am not sure it is even Chehalis or any northwest tribes because she did some travels when she was young. (Montana or southwest), it is pelvic bone , the beads don’t look old and the grass is not brittle, the paint looks new and I am not sure what the teeth are made of. I am looking for a quick sale because I need herbal remedies…
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Multiple Mahakalas for decor
Q: The masks were purchased from the daughter of a collector who died. The only information she gave me is that the mother traveled the world and always wore a mask. The little information I got on the Internet for the of mask 9 heads is that the Mahakala is a sacred entity of Tibetan Buddhism. But also I found many other names for that entity. Perhaps it was produced in Tibet and made of wood. The size of it is about 40cm tall and 30cm wide. I have a few more of this collection I acquired and still do not have enough information, so I will attach them to…
