Africa

Decorating vs. Collecting

Decorative mask
Decorative mask

Q: We purchased this mask recently from a man trying to get rid of some personal items. We love the combined mask basket look of it but, realize it is not an authentic worn mask. We however do not know what this style of mask is called. We would like to get more for declarative purposes but, searching basket mask on the internet does not provide any help in what they are called. Hope you can shed some light on a name. Thanks in advance.  Carolyn, 625

A: You can call this a West African tourist mask that looks like, and actually may be, from the Baule people of Ivory Coast. Of course, it could have been made in Cameroon or a number of other places that supply the tourist industry. Ideal for decoration, not of any interest to collectors.  C

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