Q: I have been busy today doing a mini masks photo-shoot for you. I am not a professional photographer I hope you don’t mind and if you would like me to retake any pictures of certain masks just ask. I am probably only able to send you a few at a time so get ready for your inbox to be full. Kathleen, 895 A: I decided to share this mask with our visitors because it is not something we see often. Brighella is a male character from the Commedia dell’arte, which is a form of theater with masked actors. It began in Italy in the 16th century and was responsible…
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China Supay half-mask from Bolivia
Q: I have a real proclivity for Bolivian masks, and the three here are at least 20 years old. The China Supay has seen a lot of use, and the foam on the back is nearly worn off. Aaron, 894 A: It is always a treat to share one of your latest acquisitions with our viewers. This is an excellent example of a classic Bolivian mask. The Bolivians take masquerade very seriously. Their huge carnival in Oruro and the big festival in La Paz have got to be among the most spectacular masquerades in the world. Interestingly, most of the masks in both cities are carefully crafted out of sheet…
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Unusual Bambara mask from Mali
Q: I have three masks that were purchased from a dealer in southern Indiana in 1973. Two with detailed carving on the front, one with black paint. All three are hand carved. Thoughts? Kevin, 893 A: I only do single masks on the Ask the Mask Man blog. Of course, you are welcomed to submit another one in the next month. This one is very thinly carved, which is often a characteristic of those that are used, whereas the ones made to be sold as souvenirs and art are usually heavier. I also was impressed by the use of black lines to give emphasis to the carved decoration. This is…
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Mahakala mask from Nepal
Q: I’ve been searching for literally YEARS on this mask. I cannot find any information. it is really old wood, painted and bears a red stamp mark. I cant tell if its symbols or numbers, and I’m crossing my fingers you may be able to tell me something about it. Its really odd and unique. Walt, 892 A: Your mask is a traditional Mahakala from the Himalayan region, where it is quite common in Buddhist performances and for sale to tourists. We know it is from Nepal because of the the red wax seal affixed by their customs service. There are Tibetan and Bhutanese Mahakalas that look very similar. It…
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Simple Gelede mask from Nigeria
Q: I have a hobby and find treasures so to speak for fun and have acquired a few masks. They are from an avid collector who passed away and I bought his items. Most were signed and I have kept my favorites. This particular mask is missing 3 rings from around the neck, but could it be an African womanhood initiation type mask? Kathleen, 891 A: Most of Kathleen’s masks are of high quality. I picked this one to share because it is from the Yoruba people, a very large ethnic group of Nigeria as well as Benin in West Africa. She thought it might be a Bundu helmet mask…
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Guro elephant mask from West Africa
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Punu mask from Gabon
Q: I was given this mask, and several others, by my 87 yr old mom who has traveled extensively over her lifetime. There is a little paper inside the mask with ‘Gabon’ written on it. Sophie, 890 A: From the Punu people of Gabon, this is one of the most famous maiden-style masks found in West Africa. These white-faced masks represent the spirit of an ancestor from the after world and were often used by stilt dancers for funeral rituals. They are known for their elegant features, forehead scarification patterns and elaborate coiffures. The white face and eyes of these Punu masks look Oriental to many people. You can find…
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Rare Phi Ta Khon from rural Thailand
Q: I lived in Thailand for many years and I recently went back to see friends. On the trip I went to Dan Sai where the Phi Ta Khon festival is held. I purchased 10 masks and supporting costumes from the owners and creators themselves. I was told this is the rarest mask as only one animal is made at any given time. I’m in love with the art work on this. These masks aren’t usually offered to tourists as it’s just a sleepy village in the middle of nowhere but I’m lucky to know locals. It’s absolutely huge at 1meter in height by 40cm X 45 width and depth.…
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Decorative African mask
Q: I bought this mask for $100 at an estate sale. The owner was a military veteran stationed in Africa near Mali in the 1960s. It is made of wood, hair, 12 inches by 18 inches. The 2 horns in head are carved with a face. The weight is 6 lbs. Nate, 888 A: I think it is a nice mask for the wall, and it has lots of African features. But it has been made for the tourist/export market, not for use. Tourist masks like this can be fine for decoration. But real masks– the ones that are actually worn in native cultures– are often better looking and always…
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Protective masks are intimidating
This old Kendo mask from Okinawa, Japan, is now on a mask collector’s wall. Of course it is made to protect the fencer, but it also has a strong presence that is designed to worry the opponent. In case you aren’t familiar with the sport, Kendo is one of Japan’s martial arts that employs techniques of fencing based on the two-handed sword of the samurai. Kendo is now a system for mental and physical training practice using bamboo swords. It makes use of a face mask and a uniform of quilted cloth panels. On page 168 of our new book, Masks of the World, we start chapter 13, which is…
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Wuhan has masks also
Beautiful Khon mask from Thailand
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Used skull mask
Q: I am enclosing front and back photos of the masks. I bought them from a trader/trapper friend in Noel, Missouri. I believe he had traded for or purchased them out west somewhere. We have had them hanging on our log cabin interior wall for about 25-30 years. I am now downsizing/moving and am not planning to keep them. Carol, 886 A: You have a nice group of Mexican masks, some of which are decorative and others are real and actually used. So I’ll show our readers your skull mask which I like particularly. Tons of skull masks are made for the many Day of the Dead celebrations and for…
