Q: I JUST INHERITED AN IMPORTANT MASK COLLECTION ( ABOUT 120 PIECES ) AND NEED TO SELL IT. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE NO PROPER SPACE AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LOVE TO SELL THE COLLECTION EITHER TO A MUSEUM OR COLLECTOR. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS? GABY, 975
A: I have often purchased mask collections from people like you. For starters, I will have to see more pictures. I’ll discuss this in more detail with a separated email.
Let’s look at the single photo you sent of a very nice Mexican decorative. I would say it was carved and painted in the state of Guerrero, late 20th century. “Decorative” is a term used by collectors of Mexican masks to describe those made for sale to tourists rather than to villagers for dancing. Decoratives often have an artificial patina that makes them look much older than they are. I am fond of them when they are especially creative and well made like this one. There are two excellent books that include some of these masks: Mexican Masks by Cordry and Behind the Mask in Mexico by Esser. B
