Trying to find out what these are, where they are from or any information about them. Thanks in advance
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. I am not finding the exact masks that you have here but I have seen a few masks from Africa that would match the carving on your mask. African masks have a unique history behind them and it is very interesting to read up on the history.
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!
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!
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Can anybody tell me what the origin of these masks is? Is this from Africa? tribal mask? Do you know what type of wood this is? The dimensions are 24.5in x 7in at the widest point.
Would anybody know what the value of this mask would be? It is definitely hand carved and would anybody have an idea how old it is? Thank you very much.
I do not have information about your masks except to say they appear to 'decorator/wall masks' and I have seen similar masks sold in airport tourist shops when I traveled to different countries many years ago.
You might start by using Google & African business restaurant your zip code and try showing your masks to some of these places to maybe determine if they are African and maybe what part of the country. You will have to locate true African decent that may have lived in one of the areas and moved to the US.
If you do not do this you can post your pictures on these sites and see if anyone can help you.
Reddit is the best site but it is difficult to use; especially posting pictures so you might have to ask for help. You may have to join sites before you can post:
Someone may be able to help you on these sites:
www.artkhade.com/
YouTube: contact the person
www.youtube.com/
These are Tribal Wooden Masks in Pacific Island-Tiki style. The word "Tiki" was used to describe the style of the tropical islands of the South Pacific starting in the late 1930s. Since I found an almost identical mask to yours, made on the island of Fiji, then your masks are most likely made there: www.ebay.com/
So, you have Tribal Wooden Masks, Hand Carved, Hawaiian Fiji, Pacific Island-Tiki style, the price is about $ 26-40 for one mask. The price you can check here: www.ebay.com/
Hi, I'm new to this site, just wondering if someone with a bit of experience can identify this mask? Thanks.
Thanks for asking!
Masks are a challenge because there are so many types and kinds--real and those made to look real, but for tourist trade. Sometimes it takes a trained expert to actually see the piece to make a final decision.
There is a website called arttribal.com/
They may be able to offer you some info.
It will help to have the history of the piece that you know readily available--when did you get it? How big (length, width, depth)? They will probably ask for front, back, side photos. What is it made from (wood, metal, plastic, vinyl, etc.)
Post back what you learn! One thing I love about Thrifty Fun is the educational posts remain as legacies so that future searchers can find information!
Thanks for sharing!
I have some art history experience and the eye shapes and eyebrow shapes make me think of masks from the Uruk era/Mesopotamia en.wikipedia.org/
I don't have a lot of experience with African tribal masks but I suppose it is plausible vatican.com/
I'm no expert but the shapes look very stylized/streamlined, in a way that makes me think of a contemporary artist or design house trying to go for some atavistic look. Something about the nose in particular looks suspiciously modern to me.
What would help answer more is to know where you got it and does it look like it was hand carved or with power tools - from the look of it, power tools but maybe not
Hi, I bought this mask on a flea market and I wanted to know where it's from. Could someone please help me find out where this mask is from, if possible? Thanks!
My son also says this looks Bali/Indonesian but most of their masks have bright colors..
I believe it was probably made as wall decoration for the tourist trade but I do not research masks and only know that I've seen similar masks in thrift stores, flea markets and what we call 'junk' stores.
My opinion on this really means very little so I would suggest you try asking your question on some of the forums to see what collectors say. You should state the measurements as well. Are you sure it is wood?
www.reddit.com/
www.antiquers.com/
Information:
masksoftheworld.com/
www.thriftyfun.com/
I agree with mockchoc. This is most likely Vintage Balinese Hand Carved Wooden Barong Mask. I have not found the same mask, but the outlines are similar to this Traditional Balinese mask (if you do not pay attention to the painting): www.canstockphoto.com/
My friend found this when cleaning out her grandmothers house. We have no history on it but her grandparents traveled the world. So we are wondering where it came from.
There is no signature that I see but in the noise it looks like maybe a figure with horns. Any input would be great. Thanks
Interesting. Probably late 20th century, possibly African style. If the hair is synthetic and the piece is a paper macy's material, it most likely a tourist or airport gift shop type piece. If you are near a museum or college, I would have them verify because I can't see or touch it. Post back what you learn!
This is an African Mask that represents an animal or an ancestor. The person who actually wears one of these masks believes it will turn them into a tribal warrior or leader. They think they are invincible when one of these masks is worn. Some say it makes the wearer of the mask an invincible force to reckon with.
Hi y'all. I recently acquired this solid carved mask at an estate sale but can't find comps or where was made. Any help is always welcome.
This is an Asian Wood Mask, possibly Chinese.
I found some Chinese masks, compare them to yours:
The Chinese Hand Carved Wood Masks of Daoist Deities Warrior Empress Emperor Pair in excellent vintage condition US $ 379.77 www.ebay.com/
Vintage Asian Hand Carved Hardwood Mask Pretty Chinese Empress with Headdress US $ 79.99 www.ebay.com/
Antique 19C Chinese Rosewood Hand Carved Mask Of Impress w Bird & Flower Wall Hang US $ 95 www.ebay.com/
Chinese Asian Rosewood Wood Handcarved Mask Goddess / Empress Wood Carving Art US $ 99.99 www.ebay.com/
Can anyone help me identify these two pieces? Thank you.
These are both hand carved pieces. The mask does not appear to be one that is worn, The stick is also tribal hand carved with a African Swahili word- Jambo- which is Swahili greeting or salutation. en.wikipedia.org/
I believe both of these were probably made for the tourist trade several years ago and this is how the tribes made their living expenses.
My daughter visited Africa as a guide several times in the late 70-80's and these are the type of items that most of the visitors wanted to bring home. Not sure how old these are but most of the items were made the same except for 'handmade' differences.
The stick does not have an appropriate 'top' to be a walking stick but I think these sometimes had a sort of stand that held them upright.
Cannot tell what type of material the mask is made of but probably something that is found within a certain village.
There are groups on Facebook that help identify items like this and also groups on Reddit. You can join Reddit and post your pictures as these members usually answer quickly.
Reddit is somewhat difficult for new members but if you have problems you can contact the administrators and ask for help.
www.reddit.com/
I Bought this hand carved sculpture and it has a signature on it and says St. Lucia W.I. It's 50 inches tall by 13 inches wide.
I was wondering what the value might be and what exactly it is?
Is this mask African? Asian? Or derived somewhere else? Thank you
I got this mask out of a storage unit and I was hoping you could give me some information about it. It's about the size of a man's torso and weighs about 15-20 lbs.
I would like to know if I could get some info about this mask?
Many of these masks are made in Indonesia and they are so many different designs and shapes. I have seen wooden mask like this and they look just like this one. It is hard to say what this mask was used for and there are so many different ones there so it is hard to find out the complete history of this one mask. You can find out the general history of masks from this area if you are interested.
Can anybody tell me what the origin of this mask is? Is this from Africa? A tribal mask? Do you know what type of wood this is? It's very dark, hard wood and heavy. The dimensions are 29 x 11 inches at the widest point.
Would anybody know what the value of this mask would be? It is definitely hand carved and would anybody have an idea how old it is? Thank you very much.
I was given a box of masks. I have no interest in keeping them, but would like to see if anyone knew anything about these.
These could be African masks. I would take them to a dealer
I picked up these two masks at an estate sale so I have no information of their origin or value (if any). The owners of the home had very eclectic taste and seem to be well traveled. I am curious if they are Native American or Aztec? Or just a touristy novelty item.
It seems like too much skill involved for that as they do appear to be hand carved out of a single piece of wood. They are about 2 feet tall. Any info would be appreciated. Please & thank you.
