Ask the Mask Man
Send your photos and description to bob.Ibold@verizon.net. I will not appraise, however I will alert you if your mask is of high value.

	Q: There is a label attached that says – dance of the Christians & Moors, Guerrero, a “boss” c. 1870,  Mexico origin,  contents wood. Could you tell me what else you know about this mask?  Robert, 5-27-10
	A: Guerrero, Mexico, is most likely where this piece was carved. This colorful piece was made to be sold as a souvenir and is purely decorative.

Q:  I recognized the Hannya mask when I first saw it at the thrift store. The Hannya and Shikami appear to be made by the same artisan and I’m guessing are from the latter half of the 20th century.  The carved inscription inside is the same for both. I think all three are made out of wood. The older Karura mask is very large and has a label inside with Japanese writing. I realize there are lots of fakes and reproductions out there. Are these authentic?  Kelli, 6-9-10

A: I go to thrift shops, low-end antique stores and small sales all the time and usually don't do this well. You have named them correctly, and someone who reads Japanese can tell you who made them. Identifying age and material is more difficult. My guess is that they were molded out of wood or paper composite and are less than 50 years old. You should know that used, carved wood masks like yours would be almost impossible to find and end up in museums or wealthy homes.

 

Q: I saw this mask throughout Tamil Nadu, India. There were several that I did not photograph.  The features, dark mustache, earrings, shiva stripes, fangs and horn, tongue with scorpion, and wild eyes all seem to be from a tradition of fanged demons throughout southern Asia and Indonesia. I think this character may be related to an asura like Duryodhana, Ravana or Mahishasura. Perhaps it is intended to ward off evil and is placed on buildings and construction sites.  Julian, 6-6-10

A:  I've tried a number of sources and an unable to indentify this particular character. If someone out there can help, I will post the answer.

 

	Q:  I am doing some research on headdresses and masks in two Edward S. Curtis photographs we have here in the National Gallery's permanent collection.  What sorts of ceremonies would they have been used for and what would they have signified to the native coastal people.  C.H., 6-10-10
	A: I'm a generalist, not an expert in any particular culture. I might be able to identify the mask NWC Salish, but no more. You should try a specialist in Indian art, perhaps at a museum in Vancouver or Victoria. Best of luck with your research.

As a painter, I am drawn to the visual aspects of masks. This Balinese monkey and leather Mexican were bought 20 years ago. Please comment.  David, 6-17-10

Your monkey could be used as a clown character in the Topeng dance drama, but because it has been antiqued I suspect it was made for tourist trade. Formed leather Mexican masks are rare, and the few I have seen were painted. Without paint the sculptural qualities are emphasized. Both are very nice looking.


I'm attaching a photo of a Frog Mask I've had for many years. 
I'm curious as to whether this is Haida, Tinghit or what. It is
old, but I don't know how old.  As I recall, it isn't signed. I also have a crying sun mask signed by Chief Leluska, authenticity
verified by his family.  Any idea what an item like that would be
worth today?  Fin, 6-20-10

I would guess that the first mask is a Tlingit shaman's from Northern British Columbia. For more info you should consult a specialist in NWC artifacts. Your pic of the crying sun mask looks even better. "Ask the Mask Man" is not for appraisals, but if authentic, this piece is worth a lot of money. My only caveat is that beautiful NWC masks are frequently copied, many coming from Indonesia where skilled carvers abound.
 

Q: I found the attached mask at a local antique show recently. I was impressed with the quality of the carving but don't know where it is from. What do you think?  Howard, 6-21-10
A: This could be a Garuda mask from Bhutan or Arunachal Pradesh. It is beautifully carved, has nice color, pleasant patina, and certainly looks authentic... definitely a keeper.

	Q:  I am wondering if you can determine if it is indeed a Lumbu Punu mask and if so, what would be a general gallery price for insurance purposes just off the top of your head? I was told the second mask was an ultra rare Nyamwezi mask.  William, 6-30-10
	A: Your Punu/Lumbu maiden mask has a simpler hairdo than most, but it is traditional in style and could not be from any other culture. It has a rough, used look that collectors often like. The one you were told was Nyamwezi could be from somewhere in Tanzania, but that dot pattern also reminds me of the Upper Congo region. Maybe someone who specializes in African masks will tell us more.

Q: I have recently acquired a mask which has a tag attached that reads "Mask- Imbrando, New Guinea Primitive Arts Sydney." It measures 51cm and there are 6 holes at the top of the nose. I am in Australia and would appreciate any help you can provide.  Angela, 6-30-10
A: This is a spirit mask from the Lower Sepik Region of Papua New Guinea. It is a bit smaller than most, simple in design and, in my opinion, quite handsome. The holes in the nose may be for some kind of attachments. I'm also going to guess that Imbrando is the village from which it came.

I picked these masks in a thrift store.  One has a catalog number and indicates Jakarta as the origin, but there's a couple of others that look African.  I'd like to hear what you think of these two?  Miles, 7-1-10

Your two masks are indeed from Indonesia. The second one is from somewhere on the big island of Java. The first one is from Bali, the next island to the east. If you can detect a final coat of slightly darkened varnish, the mask was made for the tourist trade. We call this "antiquing." Of course, I can't see it on a 72-dpi scan.

I recently purchased this mask at an estate sale. Could you please share any information and place a value on it. I try and purchase items that appeal to me and sell them for income.  Noreen, 7-1-10

Thanks for sending the pics of your nice looking mask. It is called a Mwana Pwo-- a popular mask from the Chokwe people of Angola, West Africa. Sorry, but I don't do appraisals on this blog.

	Q:  I am stumped on this mask. Written on tape on back says possibly Iroquois, New York, 1931, but I don't think so.  Any thoughts by anyone would be appreciated. Tom, 7-2-10
	A: I have done some research on your mask and found nothing helpful. There is a good chance it is an older, used Iroquois false face mask. If so, it is quite valuable. Send the photos to a few experts on Native American artifacts... and please let me know the results.

Q: I have 2 masks that are authentic and come from Bangkok.  The top one is labeled "serrengi" and the other "barong bangkal." Debbie, 7-4-10
A: Perhaps these masks were purchased in Bangkok, but they are from Bali-- and island almost 2000 miles southeast. I know the lower pic is correctly labeled as the boar mask, a famous protector spirit paraded on village holidays. I'm not familiar with the Serrengi. Both are painted very stylishly by the same carver.

	Q:  Attached are photos of a mask and a carved figure acquired at an auction.  We were told they came from southeast Asia or the Pacific islands.  The mask is made of light porous wood and is 10-1/2" high.  Keith, 7-4-10
	A: The mask is probably Igbo, Nigeria. Whether they are truly used or made to look old for the tourist trade should be questioned. Your other large piece is an Abelam ancestor figure from Papua New Guinea.

Q: I bought a mask yesterday from an import shop. They said it was by Eduardo Cayo from whom they purchased it in Otavalo, Ecuador.   Dean, 7-5-10
A: The highland Indians of Ecuador are culturally similar to those along the entire length of South America's western edge. The monkey character always shows up in their dance traditions. Of course, the Ecuadorian style (hardwood, round holes for the eyes, more emphasis on animals and clowns, etc.) is unique.

	Q:  This Mexican mask I collected in 1967 in Taxco is a decorative. Do they make them the same now and are they worth keeping or selling?  Sharon, 7-14-10
	A: I'm so glad you asked. They've been making these wonderful tin masks in Taxco for years. Most are not as interesting as yours, but I'll bet tourists with a good eye can still find nice ones. Please check out my decoratives in "Mexican collection." Scroll all the way down.

Can you identify these masks I  purchased recently? Most of the collection consisted of Mexican Retablos and Santos. Johnny, 7-14-10

These appear to be Xantolo masks from the state of Hidalgo, but the mystery is not solved. Why are they so similar in design and surface condition? Why were there no other masks? I don't think they were done by the same carver. Determining the age of a mask purchased without provenance is usually impossible. They get beat up from rough usage and sometimes are damaged by insects and rot. Serious aging can happen fast in rural Mexico.
 

Q: At first I thought it was the head from a carousel animal, but my reading suggests that is not likely. It is solid, but with a hole in the neck area, presumably for its original connection.  Dave,  7-14-10
A: Your head looks Indian to me. Could be from somewhere else in that part of the world (SE Asia). Certainly not Mexico or Africa. Could have been paraded at a religious celebration, a marker of some sort, a puppets head-- frankly, I don't know.

Please tell me more about this group of masks.  Cindy, 7-14-10

All of your masks are decoratives-- the first from Mexico and the rest from Guatemala. Check out what I said to Sharon three posts back.

My husband received 3 masks as gifts many years ago when he visited Guatemala. Back of the first one is marked inside J.C. and second one shows MI in a black circle.  Regitze, 7-14-10

These are also Guatemalan, but of better quality than the one above. From your description I'd say they have moreria marks on the inside which means they were rented to villagers for use at local celebrations. The morerias also rent costumes.
 

	Q:  I am hopeful you can give me some guidance and information on five masks I have inherited. I would like the masks' types, ethnicities and possible value of each.  Melissa, 7-14-10
	A: Your first mask is from Northern Mexico and has armadillo skin and pig bristle tacked on. The others are from China, West Africa, Bali, and Sri Lanka, in that order. All are made for the tourist trade and therefore not expensive.

Q: I bought this mask from a yard sale and the owner didn't know anything about it. I hope you can identify this mask for me.  jwg, 7-14-10
A: It is a large Garuda Raksha mask from Sri Lanka. If you go to the India section of my website you'll see one like it and can learn a bit more. These masks are spectacular.

 I am renovating an old building. I found a wooden box that looks like it was made to for these 10 masks. They're in real good shape, maybe never used.  Steve, 7-23-10

These two (and the eight others) are pristine examples of the Odd Fellow's ceremonial masks meant for fraternal ritual. It's almost a complete set, though Goliath and a few others are missing. There are several companies that made these painted window-screen masks for the Order. See any labels? Check the history of the building.
 

	Q:  I purchased this mask from a dealer in one of the Caribbean Islands.  Dave, 7-23-10
	A:Who would have thought you'd find a Mayo pascola mask from Sonora,  Northern Mexico down there? You can see several of these on the thumbnail page for Mexico.

Q: l believe this is a West African statue for hanging on wall. Any thoughts as to what tribe it comes from? It was purchased in the early fifties on a trip to Africa by some relatives.  Geoffrey, 7-27-10
A: Actually, it's not an African mask. They are called bilum hooks and are used in Northern Papua New Guinea for hanging baskets of food from the walls or rafters. Like the masks from that area, they are well decorated.

	Q: The friend from whom I inherited this was an archeologist who went on many digs in Columbia. The mask was included with his pre-Columbian pottery. Would you know the culture and time from which it came and if it has value or is this just touristy stuff?  Michael, 7-27-10
	A: Your cute little demon looks like it was carved by Ecuadorian Indians who live in the mountain range that continues up into Colombia. Your friend might have found this at a market in SE Colombia, or even a shop in Cali or Bogota.  It is not a preColumbian artifact.

Q: Here is a large Mystery Masks I have picked up. Thanks for any info you have.   Karen, 7-29-10
A: There are some outstanding master carvers in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, a few of whom do beautiful carvings like this. It's meant for the Tejorones dance in a coastal Mixtec village. The colors are faded and ears are missing, but I still love it.

	Q: A short history on what the mask was used for would be greatly appreciated.  Nathanael, 7-31-10
	A: Masks with long, curly beards have been popular with tourists and collectors for at least 50 years. There's one just like this on page 13 of Mexican Masks by Cordry. He thought they were used in the Dance of the Marquez, but they are purely decorative.

Q:  The story goes that this mask was from one of our great-great grandfathers who took an Indian princess as his wife, whose father was also a great medicine man. Since then it has been passed down through the family to me.  Arnaldo, 8-1-10
A: What a spectacular mask! Probably made in the 1970's, it is another decorative (see above mask) made for sale to wealthy tourists. As a Mexican, you should be proud of this very artistic, difficult to carve piece... even though the story is fictional.

	Q: In Cusco, Peru a few years ago I saw their Corpus Christi celebration.  I loved their costumes, especially the masks.  Since my trip, I have been looking for a waq'ollo mask to purchase, but I am having a very hard time finding anything on-line.  8-12-10
	A: The woven masks of Peru are striking and almost impossible for collectors to find. This doesn't make sense. Cuzco has lots of religious festivals, carnivals, and private celebrations where masks are worn. Many characters are portrayed utilizing different materials and styles of construction. Let's keep looking for them!

Q:   What can you tell me about this mask?  8-12-10
A: It is a popular Mexican decorative. They are always small, simple faces with sculptural attachments. Most common is a long snake coming out of the nose. Wish I could tell you the town or state where they are made.

	Q:As you see from the eBay thread linked, I've been told this mask could be from Europe, Africa, India, Mexico... I'd love your thoughts. Judith, 8-17-10
	A: Lenore got it right. It is a Moor mask from Michoacan, Mexico. I would guess made for sale to tourists, but I have not seen one quite the same. The mask's surface seems to have been antiqued, which carvers assume will enhance its worth to tourists and collectors.

Q:   The mask is only 6.5 inches high. The areas around the nose, chin and eyes seem to have been handled quite a bit since the wood is rubbed in those spots.  Brian, 8-18-10
A: Could be a Xantolo from Hidalgo, Mexico. In Huastec villages supplicants wearing these little masks go door to door during the Day of the Dead celebration. A nice addition to any collection of Mexican masks.

	Q: In 2000, my husband and I were working in the Dominican Republic.  When we were leaving, a Peace Corp woman we had befriended presented us with a mask as a going away gift. It's lovely, but we simply have no room for it.  Lynn, 8-20-10
	A: An excellent example of a modern Lechones or Devil mask, this was made to be paraded during Carnival time in Santiago. The style is difficult to make and found only in the D.R. It would make a splendid addition to any Caribbean or world folk art collection.

Q: One may be from the cross river region and the other, anywhere in Africa. Grant, 8-21-10
A:  I like to imaging being an expert on masks, but sometimes people send in pictures I can't identify. For instance, both of these baffle me as to region or intended usage. Now you know why I wear a mask!

	Q: It looks similar to a Chokwe Mwana Pwo but the shape and some details are unusual. At the same time it doesn't look like a a tourist piece and has traces of use.  Oleg, 8-25-10
	A: It's a Mwana Pwo from Angola that is missing the fiber hairpiece which would make it more "usual." Let's don't be too sure about usage. I see signs of several brushed-on coatings of light stain. Also, look at the holes. Were they done with a mechanical drill and then darkened on the inside? Your photos were excellent, but I still could be wrong on this.

Q:  Mask on right appears to be carved from a very light wood like balsa. It may have a layer of plaster like material over the top. There is a long horse hair beard in plugs across the bottom. Mask on left is carved from a heavier wood and the paint is worn.  Ken, 8-27-10
A: The one on the right is a common Mexican decorative. Tourist love when some weird creature is superimposed on a face. The one on the left could be Mexican, but I'm not sure.

	Q: My mother thinks that Dad brought it back from one of his travels to Kenya or Tanzania back in the seventies. We find it an elegant mask and would like to know the age.  Antje, 9-1-10
	A: Your elegant African mask is made in the Fang style. The Fang live in Cameroon rather than Kenya or Tanzania. It was intended as a decoration and could have been carved anywhere on the continent. I would guess it was made shortly before your dad bought it.

Q:  You have helped me before to identify masks that I pick up at auctions. Here is another one.  Patricia, 9-1-10
A: I have never seen one that looks much like this. (The little photo doesn't show its articulated jaw.) My guess is that it is from somewhere in Nigeria or Cameroon. So West Central Africa is about as close as I can get.

	Q: I bought this professional dance mask made by the master-carver I. B. Anom it in 1988.  Alisa, 9-2-10
	A: With this close-up I want our viewers to get an idea of the incredible skill some Balinese carvers bring to the art of mask-making. The mask is finished with many coats of paint and great attention to detail. In my opinion, only the finest Japanese Noh masks can rival them in quality.

Q: I was told that my father purchased some African masks in Paris shortly after WWII. Someone else said it was a Haida object but it doesn't look like any Haida objects I found on the web.  Einar, 9-5-10
A: My wild guess would be that it's from Arunachal Pradesh or Bhutan. Please don't bet the farm on that. This is not an easy one for me to identify.
 

	Q: I recently bought a collection of Mexican masks from a very good friend.  30 years ago she bought them from a man who was a museum curator. They are all at least 40 years old and some older. Diane, 9-7-10
	A: I arbitrarily picked this old Carnival mask from Hidalgo, Mexico to represent your excellent collection of 20. Not only are they authentic used masks, but the original collector had a strong interest in color, and a willingness to buy examples that deviate from regional traditions. Very cool!

Q: Here is the other mask for you to look at and use if you want to post on your site.  Alisa, 9-7-10
A: In the Bali & Java section of this site you will see a large variety of traditional character masks used in the Indonesian dance dramas. This beautiful mask is not traditional and was made to be a decorative wall hanging. The talented carver would also do masks for professional dancers.

	Q: I purchased these two masks in Mexico about 35 years ago. Leta, 9-8-10
	A: Cordry's famous book, Mexican Masks, calls this a Barbones from the Dance of the Marquez. He was wrong. It is a decorative that became very popular with tourists after the book was published in 1980. These masks are beautifully carved and used to fetch high prices.

Q: I inherited this mask from my ex-boyfriend. He told me it is from Guerrero, Mexico and 150 years old. Christine, 9-9-10
A: Your colorful, large and heavy devil mask is indeed Mexican. I would guess it is from Guanajuato and about 30 years old, based on the excellent scans you sent me. So what's a few hundred miles and years?

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