Tribal Masks

[Shrinkmj]

This is a collection that really came to me. It started about 15 years ago when we were vacationing at Mammoth Caves. We stopped at this old souvenir shop and I noticed an old shed out back. I asked if they had anything out there for sale and the man took me back there. It was a bunch of old dirty stuff. I saw a 5+ foot wood plank mask. I had no idea what it was, but bought it. It was the Bwa Nwantantay mask. Here they are in action... Bwa Plank Masks

Years later, near Gatlinburg, we stopped at another old souvenir/antique store. Outside, he had the four Dan Running masks and one of the Boule Sun masks. They were dirty and had wasp nests in them, so I got them for a good price.

More recently, i found a few in Houston and the rest here in town at a consignment shop.

The Lenca Pottery mask is the only one that is not African. It is from Honduras. The Lenca are known for their distinctive pottery.

[Shrinkmj]

Here's the rest.

[joyce]

Very interesting collection Shrinkmj, the art work is cool! Joyce

[eddies]

nice art work there thanks for showing

[SouthernCalifornia]

I have a Fang mask too! Its from a trip to Gabon about ten years ago.

[Shrinkmj]

Is yours similar to mine? I don't believe the one I own was actually ceremonial, but rather made by a tribe member to sell as a wall hanging. Many of my other masks were actually used ceremonially.

[DesertWalker]

Those are very nice. Got a few that I have picked up over the years. Don't know a thing about them.

[Shrinkmj]

Post some pics (show the backs, too). I might be able to tell you something about them.

[SouthernCalifornia]

Mine is very similar in shape but all wood with no paint. Im haveing camera issues right now but I'll post it soon.

[DesertWalker]

Here's a few that are hangin in my man room. I have some others in a box somewhere. What do you think of this little carved wood statue? I love folk art and always pick up old carvings and such at garage sales, etc..