Posted 5 years ago
HalcyonDays
(11 items)
I am interested in finding out about the origins of this mask. It is very primitive and simple in design. It appears to be very old and doesn't appear to have ever been painted. There is no indication on the back that it had any type of strap or tie for wearing. Its size just covers the face. The wood is very thick and the patina is fabulous. Lots of smooth, shiny wear. From the back, it looks as though it was chopped to shape it. It's about 9.75" long X 4.25" wide. Any ideas? Could this be a funerary mask of some type?
if you can figure out the type of wood, it would help us in figuring out where it's from. it does look familiar to me, but i love masks from all over the world. the little mustache makes me think it is native american.
Sorry, but it looks simply like it was made up, like one might for a stage prop for a play, or for someone’s costume, or just for fun.
It wouldn’t fit with any tribe’s or other culture’s artefacts that I’ve come across in museum collections or documentaries.
Look at where the ‘bangs’ end at the band across the forehead. The bangs end sharply in a fairly well-defined arc, so the carver had a tool sharp enough for that, but then the carver didn’t apply the tool for any sophisticated work on the mask. No culture attaching significance to objects like masks would treat one so casually. Sorry.
Hi, ho2cultcha! So you think that opening is a mustache? I was of the mind that it is a mouth - smiling, at that. If it is a smile, I have never seen a mask as happy-looking as this one. The wood... I am leaning toward oak because of the deep golden tones that are peeking through some of the wear. The grain also looks like oak to me. Thanks for your comment!
Noob... I have to disagree with you that this mask was 'made up', unless someone 'made it up' for fun a long time ago. There is some real age on this carved wood. It may not even be attributable to a tribe. Just considering all of the possibilities!
This is a good place to get information about your mask. Maybe they can tell you more:
https://masksoftheworld.com/is-your-mask-rare-and-valuable/
If they answers please let us know. We are also curious
mp.kunst, thank you! I will keep you informed... Happy Holidays!