Author Topic: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...  (Read 2424 times)

cncurtis22

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Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« on: June 19, 2013, 01:51:54 pm »
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..



Thank you in advance!

frogpatch

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2013, 05:45:38 pm »
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.

fancypants

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2013, 06:07:49 pm »
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 !
" Methinks me the 'mental' in sentimental .... "

bigwull

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2013, 06:10:21 pm »
the one on the left looks more....far east....or possibly Mongolian...to me.....and the other has a Neanderthal look about it.....
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

cncurtis22

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2013, 02:38:01 am »
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.




wendy177

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2013, 04:14:48 am »
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??

bigwull

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2013, 04:51:27 am »
whats the length/breadth of the masks....i,m now going to say...the one on the left looks more...chinese/mongolian....
« Last Edit: June 20, 2013, 06:32:07 am by bigwull »
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

frogpatch

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2013, 05:16:33 am »
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.

wendy177

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2013, 05:55:20 am »
Frogpatch you are too funny!!

KC

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2013, 06:50:13 am »
Looks like items you could have once purchased at Pier One Imports or World Market!

I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

Ipcress

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2013, 07:02:07 am »
Noh masks usually look different but these are similar.

cncurtis22

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Re: Found These Wooden Masks, Was Just Curious...
« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2013, 09:44:55 pm »
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! :)