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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: cncurtis22 on June 19, 2013, 01:51:54 PM
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Hi, while moving into our new home, my husband & I found these two wooden masks. I have no idea how old they are.. Just wondering if someone with knowledge of masks could help me out..
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b633/cncurtis22/2013-06-19153836_zps36d4217d.jpg)
Thank you in advance!
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They almost look like African versions of the comedy and tragedy masks that were so popular as decor in the 50s. They are really cool but I think they were left behind because they are too scary. You need to take them to someone who knows about South Pacific, Caribbean and African Art. I don't think we have an expert here but I could be wrong.
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Welcome to the forum , cncurtis22 .
One little tip I'd like to pass along to you would be my comment that if you look 'inside' of a mask ... look for signs of wear on the wood , as where a persons' face would touch it when worn (as a Mask) , as well as the holes (if any) that would be used for a cord or cords .
Masks that have been used , for ceremonies , parades & many etc events can usually draw a few more bux , as compared to 'tourist-wall-hangers' !
Perhaps you'd post an image of the backs of your cool little masks & maybe stick a ruler/quarter in the pic , so we can figure out the size of 'em ?
First guess , from my gut , would be Japanese .
Let's see if I get to be wrong again !
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the one on the left looks more....far east....or possibly Mongolian...to me.....and the other has a Neanderthal look about it.....
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Thanks for the welcome :)
Y'all are being very helpful! I cannot thank you enough.. I do agree that they are kind of creepy looking lol
Here are a few more photos.. They were placed by these frames and at a closer look, there were holes in the bottom of the masks to fit the frames.
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b633/cncurtis22/2013-06-20035708_zps39eb2d9b.jpg)
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b633/cncurtis22/2013-06-20035139_zps42862650.jpg)
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b633/cncurtis22/2013-06-20035416_zpsd741f64f.jpg)
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b633/cncurtis22/2013-06-20035700_zpsccfe9b67.jpg)
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I am with Fancy on this one Japanese origin they look to have no wear in the back maybe they were made to held up to the face using the bottom stick/rod??
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whats the length/breadth of the masks....i,m now going to say...the one on the left looks more...chinese/mongolian....
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Bigwull. I agree now that I can see better images. I was outside and it was hard to see my screen yesterday. The one does look Mongolian. The other was my eighth grade math teacher.
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Frogpatch you are too funny!!
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Looks like items you could have once purchased at Pier One Imports or World Market!
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Noh masks usually look different but these are similar.
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Lol frogpatch....thank you for the laugh - i needed that. :)
Thank you all so much for your advice/information! My husband hung them on our wall...too creepy for me though, I made him post them on eBay just to get them out of the house lol
Thanks again! A++ to all of you! :)