Q:  I purchased the mask yesterday, while walking through the Columbus Flea Market in New Jersey. I paid the couple $35 for the item. They acquired it while cleaning our an estate in Princeton, New Jersey. The mask is approximately 13″ in height, and 10″ in width. As a retired police lieutenant, I have no knowledge with respect to this area of collecting.  Daniel, 973 A:  This may be an old Tigre del Tecuani mask used in the dance of the Tigres (rural name for jaguars) from somewhere in the state of Guerrero.  Since it has a big mouth opening and no eye holes, it would have been worn higher…

Here is a skull mask that has lots of usage plus a great set of teeth made out of tin can pieces. Those teeth would have made for a shiny smile in the old days. The village and state are unknown. Part two of our Mexican collection is now being auctioned on OrangeUmber.com  This time more than 50 traditional masks, both used and new, are available. These masks were acquired 1975 to 2010 and include male and female characters, animals, skulls, devils and fantasies from 20 different Mexican states. The collection has been shown at Messiah College, The Lancaster Museum of Art and can be permanently seen in the largest chapter of Masks…

Wealthy hacienda owners and gringo tourists wearing sunglasses have been portrayed in carnival dances for many years. In the book Masks Arts of Mexico by Lechuga and Sayer a Viejo with sunglasses for the Veracruz carnival is shown on page 22. This particular item is one of 50 Mexican masks being auctioned off on Orange Umber. Most of these beautiful masks have been used in culture or were intended for use. Decorative masks will be auctioned off later. Good news for you:  all of the starting bids have been lowered to encourage sales in this buyers market.

Here’s the link to the mask – Raton Mask   It will tell you about this wonderful old raton mask. Raton means a male mouse, not a rat. That is why the mask is so cute looking. Another important detail is that it is thinly carved and comfortable to wear, which would make the carver very popular with villagers.  963