Q: I am doing some research for a community group on museum objects that are locked away in stores with no information about them. We have located this mask but can not find any information on it. Tara, 1443
A: This is a mystery mask. It is labeled “East Africa,” but I doubt if that is where it is from. Though it has a primitive look, this wood carving has been quickly made with steel carving tools and a branding tool. It’s probably made for sale to tourist. The question is “where does it come from?” If you have any ideas, please make a comment. Let’s help Tara.
4 Comments
Randy Bowles
This is either from Mexico (most likely) or Guatemala. It’s just a tourist carving.
Tara
Hi Randy, this object has been in the collection since 1930.. would that still be a tourist object? And if so any ideas where I could find out more about it?
Bob Ibold
Tourist masks have been made in many countries since the late 19th century.
Bob Ibold
I would not rule out Mexico, or much of South America either. There are Indian tribes that have been making tourist souvenirs since the 1890s.