Trying to find out what these are, where they are from or any information about them. Thanks in advance
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The shape and carvings on the masks are very similar to masks made or carved in Africa. At first, because of the long beards on the masks, I thought they were from China. But the carving on the face is not from this region. I have checked out other cultures that make wooden masks and the design and carving techniques for your masks seem to point to the African region.
Thank you so much.. we can't find any like them anywhere, so that must mean they are very rare, correct?
I have seen, but not in years, similar masks and people called them Elder Man or Fu Manchu. Do they have something to hang them on the back--a metal hook or wood loop? That can sometimes be used to help date them. Older pieces often had wire, newer, hooks. My guess is they were made to be wall hangings and they have a touristy look to them. They look much to small to be masks that people would wear in ceremonies and the detail is not as fine as it would be on a true ceremonial piece (in my opinion).
If you have a museum nearby, maybe they can confirm what they are and what era/decade they were from. They have a 1960s vibe to me, but they could have been made with that vibe just last week.
Once you learn more about them from someone who can hopefully see them in person, post back and I can help you value them and give you tips on selling!
Thanks for sharing!
Awesome.. thank you so very much, soon as I get home I'll take pics of the back and post them and I'll google museums in our area and try to find someone to look at them. If my memory serves me right, I think they have a little loop on the back, not real sure. But I'll definitely get back with you.. thanks again so very much..
Thanks for the info and more pictures. My best guess from the back is hand carved, possibly using a pattern like in some of the 1970s wood carving magazines. It does not look professional from the back to have been a tourist piece (my opinion). Definitely made to be a wall hanging, no ceremonial use for it (that I can see).
Have your museum check it out and see if they think different. From my experience if it is a OOAK (one of a kind) hand crafted piece. They can sell from $5-$50 depending on your market and demand.
Thanks for sharing and for the additional info.
Post back what you learn!! I hope I am wrong and you have something totally rare and valuable. That is what every reseller wants to find in the wild!! Sadly, what I mostly find is cool stuff with a fair return on investment but I have a whole lot of fun finding, learning, and selling!!
Blessings!
These appear to be decorative mask (Asian). Mask that are worn in tradition have hole on both sides , also there are oil stains from wear ,along with a smell/odor from wearing. If these were African here is a link to tell - myauctionfinds.com/
More photos have been added of the back of the mask. Hopefully, this will help in identification.
These, to me, are unusual as they differ from most masks as they are made just for hanging and they appear to be solid where many masks have a 'hollow back'.
Please give this a try and post back if you receive information.
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