Mask of some sort

surgi-sharp · 23rd February 2022, 03:51 PM

Could be African

Bob A · 25th February 2022, 03:17 AM

Could hardly be anything else.

Could you post a pic of the back of the mask, please?

surgi-sharp · 26th February 2022, 12:28 AM

more shots of mask

ariel · 4th March 2022, 06:25 AM

I think it is decorative, for tourists planning on hanging it on the wall.
The back of the mask tells the story: it was not made to wear it, no place even for the nose. Just almost flat surface. Also, there are empty nail holes for a string and the wood looks quite new.
My guess not older than 20-30 years.

fernando · 5th March 2022, 05:43 PM

Look how zealous the Thay authorities are with their artifacts for export ... even if only decorative.
This one has been with me for the last 40 years.

.

ariel · 6th March 2022, 06:27 AM

Preserving their cultural heritage is a good thing. The definition of how old and artistic the object should be to qualify for such protection is a legitimate business business of any country.

But I remember Royal Palace in Bangkok. Outside the palace was a rickety construction, without walls, just a roof on the poles, providing partial coverage. Inside were shelves and stands of old daabs, rusty beyond recognition, fully exposed to heat and humidity.

Somehow, this did not inspire my confidence in the Thai protection of their cultural heritage.

23rd February 2022, 03:51 PM	#1
surgi-sharp Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 11	Mask of some sort Could be African Attached Images

26th February 2022, 12:28 AM	#3
surgi-sharp Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 11	more shots of mask Attached Images

5th March 2022, 05:43 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Speaking of which ... Look how zealous the Thay authorities are with their artifacts for export ... even if only decorative. This one has been with me for the last 40 years. . Attached Images

25th February 2022, 03:17 AM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 411	Could hardly be anything else. Could you post a pic of the back of the mask, please?

4th March 2022, 06:25 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I think it is decorative, for tourists planning on hanging it on the wall. The back of the mask tells the story: it was not made to wear it, no place even for the nose. Just almost flat surface. Also, there are empty nail holes for a string and the wood looks quite new. My guess not older than 20-30 years.

6th March 2022, 06:27 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Preserving their cultural heritage is a good thing. The definition of how old and artistic the object should be to qualify for such protection is a legitimate business business of any country. But I remember Royal Palace in Bangkok. Outside the palace was a rickety construction, without walls, just a roof on the poles, providing partial coverage. Inside were shelves and stands of old daabs, rusty beyond recognition, fully exposed to heat and humidity. Somehow, this did not inspire my confidence in the Thai protection of their cultural heritage.