MASKS REGIONAL CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
Go to: MASKS PAGE 2 Go to: MASKS PAGE 3 Go to: MASKS PAGE 4 Return to: TRIBAL ARTS WEBSITE HOME PAGE
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A NOTE REGARDING TRIBAL MASK COLLECTING:
Collectors of tribal masks know that these facinating art objects are available in a dazzling variety of styles, types, origins and prices. There are sacred masks that can only be handled by specific caretakers and can be harmful or lethal to uninitiated handlers. There are transformation masks that change the wearer from a human being to the spirit of the mask that is represented on his face. There are also dance masks that are only worn during certain ceremonies and feast days. Others, that are hung in houses or public locations for warding off malignant energies. Then there are tourist masks made exclusively for sale and fake masks made to be misrepresented and sold for more than their true worth. Collecting tribal masks is both daunting and enriching. Handling certain masks can actually be an enlightening experience. Some collectors create elevated relationships with their masks that cannot be verbalized. For most, the collecting of tribal masks becomes an overwhelming addiction. We have studied tribal masks professionally for over thirty years and have acquired a great respect for masks, mask makers and mask wearers. Many of the examples that we offer are culturally and historically important but none are considered of such a sacred nature that they cannot be sold or owned by someone outside of their tribal origin. To seasoned mask collectors the back, or interior, of a mask is just as important as the front, or face. The back of a mask often gives the best evidence of its age, history and use. If any of the images presented here are of interest, we implore you to ask for detailed photographs of the interiors of those masks. And regarding our age estimates, they are neither conservative nor liberal... they are accurate. Thanks for visiting TRIBAL ARTS WEBSITE. |
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A VINTAGE NEW GUINEA TUMBUAN LONG-NOSE MASK
LF233 A super Papua New Guinea tumbuan long-nose mask. This is a fine and desirable example of tight wickerwork that was painted with white lime and red and black pigments. There are thick cassowary bird feathers along the sides and mouth and a clump of chicken feathers at the tip of the nose. This is a male example called nario from the Blackwater River. These are hung from the gables of the Haus Tambarans and removed during initiation ceremonies when initiates obtain marks of scarification. They are said to represent spirits of birds, animals or other natural phenomena. 30" long X 14" wide. See eBay Sales.
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VERA CRUZ CHANTOLO MASK
WS012 This is a heavily weathered dance mask from Carrizal, Vera Cruz. It represents "Chantolo" who dances during Easter (Semana Santa). The face is enhanced with light, limited paint. The mask also has some light worm damage. We believe that it is about 30 to 40 years old. We collected the mask in Puebla, Mexico in 1993. The mask measures 8 3/4 inches tall by 6 inches wide. SOLD |
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RARE OLD HIGHLAND QUICHUA MASK, ECUADOR
WS010 Fabulous large, hardwood dance mask dating early to mid 20th century (pre-1950). Masterfully carved dog head, the long ears drooping as in real life. Protects Mama Negra from evil energies in her procession during Carnaval. Great detail and artisitic composition.Thick paint. Beautiful interior patina and extreme use-wear. 10 inches tall; 9 inches wide and 8 3/4 inches deep. See eBay sales.
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OLD ECUADORIAN GROTESQUE MASK
WS014 A large, very heavy hardwood dance mask of Highland Quichua origin dating to the turn-of-the-19th-century or earlier. Weathered surface with evidence of repaint. Two animal teeth extant; two missing. Dark polished interior patina with extreme use-wear. This interesting mask probably represents a Mama Negra protector. 10 3/4 inches tall; 7 inches wide; 6 inches deep. 225.00 SOLD |
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VERY NICE VERA CRUZ INDIAN DANCE MASK
WS015 This is a well carved and well used dance mask of medium-weight wood from Vera Cruz. Danced during Carnaval. The mask walls are relatively thin and expertly carved. The interior is darkened with a medium patina. 8 1/2 inches tall; 6 1/4 inches wide; 5 1/2 inches deep. About 40 to 50 years old. SOLD
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A FINE NEW GUINEA MASK
TAD1259
An old and important Middle Sepik canoe mask. This heavy hardwood mask served as a canoe shield. It has polished edges, a deep, rich patina and evidence of various episodes of re-painting. Collected at Tambanum Village. 21" high by 6 1/2" wide. SOLD.
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