Note:
With the high cost of shipping many of our customers choose to ship by USPS. For small and light shipments this is usually less expensive, but please be aware that their estimates are often wrong and their service can be very slow (sixteen days for Priority Mail from Philadelphia to New York City recently). The service is not always as economical as it may appear, particularly on larger or more valuable shipments. USPS estimates only include insurance up to $100 for its domestic shipments. If you ask for full insurance we will recalculate the shipping cost and send you an invoice for any difference in cost. For overseas shipments USPS will not insure for over $650. On request we can get estimates for overseas shipping from DHL.

Mascaras: A World of Masks

September 8, 2009 to February 28, 2010

Fall is a season of transition and transformation. In the spirit of Halloween and Los Dias de los Muertos, the Days of the Dead, Indigo Arts presents a collection of masks from Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. The exhibit includes dance, festival and ritual masks from many countries, including Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, New Guinea and Nigeria.

Bronze Ekpwe Society Mask from Cameroon
SKU: AFM-2205

Cameroon Grassfields region.
Face of man surmounted by male and female monkey figures in headdress.  Lost-wax cast bronze w/ mineral & organic patina (14 1/2” h. x 7 1/2” w. x 3 1/2” d.)

Ex. collection of Jonathan W. Fisher
ex. collection of Ralph Fisher
Purchased from Charles D. Miller III Gallery, New Haven. Ct., 1976.  

$3500

Orodugu Baule mask with horns
SKU: AFM2201

Ivory Coast (Orodugu Baule region)
Wood (12 1/4” h. x 8 1/2” w. x 4 1/2” d.)

Ex. collection of Jonathan Fisher
ex. collection of Ralph Fisher
ex. Indigo Arts Gallery

$1500

Fang Four-faced Janus Mask
SKU: afm-31

Fang people, Gabon
wood w/ kaolin and red oil paint
(14"h. x 10 1/2 dia.")

10% off

$1600 $1440

Fang Mask
SKU: afm-47

Fang people, Gabon
wood w/ kaolin, mineral pigments, brass wire.
(13 1/2"h. x 7 1/2"w. x 4 1/4"d.)

10% off

$1500 $1350

Igbo Water Buffalo Mask
SKU: AFM-109

Igbo people, Nigeria.  Mid 20th century.
Wood w/ mineral pigments, oil paint.  Stand not included.
(13 1/2" h. x 11" w. x 16" d.)
Signed "SPOILAR" on back.

$1250

Dan Poro Mask with blue eyes
SKU: AFM-2202

Poro secret society, Liberia
Wood with glass tube eyes, steel nail in forehead (9" h. x 5 1/4” w. 3 1/2” d.)

Ex. collection of Jonathan Fisher
ex. Charles D. Miler III, 1976.

$1200

Bamum Mask
SKU: afm76

wood w/ mineral pigments
(19 1/4" h. x 9 1/4" w. x 9 3/4" d.)

$1200 (w/ custom stand)

Yoruba Gelede Mask
SKU: AFM-75

Yoruba people, Nigeria
wood w/ oil paint, nails
(15" h. x 9" w. x 13" d.)

$1200 (w/ custom stand)

Green Snake Mask attributed to Victoriano Salgado of Michoacan
SKU: MXM-156

Unsigned but attributed to Victoriano Salgado Morales (1920 - 2012)
Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
c.1970 - 1980
Maque lacquer on wood.
(11.5" H x 9" W x 6.5" D.)
Provenance: estate of artist William Scharf, NYC.

A prolific designer and maker of wooden, maque, decorative masks used by dancers in Purépecha fiestas, one of Grand Masters of Mexican Folk art and one of last skilled masters of this unique art form. Mr. Salgado learned this skill from several mask makers of the Magdalena neighborhood where he grew up. His first mask dates back to 1950 and it was a "Negrito" folk dance mask.

Victoriano's masks are not painted, the process used for color is a highly superior technique called "maque", which is a pre-hispanic process involving numerous applications of natural earth and insect pigments and oils applied with the palm of the hand that hardens into a brilliant, lustrous surface.

Mr. Salgado created over 60 different masks, the most famous: dance of the Señor Naranjo, and the dance of the Tataqueri, Corcovi, Negritos and Viejitos.

He passed away on September 2012 two weeks before receiving the Erendira Award, The highest prize given by the Michoacan State Government.

$1150

Punu Mask
SKU: afm45

Punu people, Ngunie river, Gabon
wood w/ kaolin, mineral pigments
(11 1/2"h. x 7"w. x 6"d.)

10% off

$1200 $1080

Pair of Fon Gelede Masks from Benin
SKU: AFM-2003

Fon, Benin, late 20th century
Pair of masks - Wood with red, green, yellow, black, white oil paints, remnants of rubber inner tube chin straps.  Initials "S.P." painted on the back of both masks (8” h x 6 1/2” w. x 8 1/2” d., 7 1/4" h. x 8” w. x 7 1/2” d.).  
Ex. collection of Nancy Josephson.  Purchased by collector in Benin, c.2000.

$950/pair

"Guerrero" Ball-player Mask attributed to Victoriano Salgado of Michoacan
SKU: MXM-137

Unsigned but attributed to Victoriano Salgado Morales (1920 - 2012)
Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
c.1970 - 1980
Maque lacquer on wood.
(9" h. x 7” w. x 5” d.)

A prolific designer and maker of wooden, maque, decorative masks used by dancers in Purépecha fiestas, one of Grand Masters of Mexican Folk art and one of last skilled masters of this unique art form.  Mr. Salgado learned this skill from several mask makers of the Magdalena neighborhood where he grew up. His first mask dates back to 1950 and it was a "Negrito" folk dance mask.

Victoriano's masks are not painted, the process used for color is a highly superior technique called "maque", which is a pre-hispanic process involving numerous applications of natural earth and insect pigments and oils applied with the palm of the hand that hardens into a brilliant, lustrous surface. 

Mr. Salgado created over 60 different masks, the most famous: dance of the Señor Naranjo, and the dance of the Tataqueri, Corcovi, Negritos and Viejitos.

He passed away on September 2012 two weeks before receiving the Erendira Award, The highest prize given by the Michoacan State Government.

$950

Antique Balinese Barong Mask
SKU: INDOM-027

Marong mask with operable jaws.
Bali, Indonesia, early to mid 20th cent.
Wood, leather, canvas, rubber, fabric, water-based and oil-based paints.
(9" h. x 17" w. x 17" d.).

$850

Cameroon Grassfields Mask
SKU: AFM-2009

Grassfields region, Cameroon (probably Bamum people), mid-20th century.
Wood w/ organic patina (13" h. x 9" w. x 6 3/4" d.).

Ex. collection of Jonathan W. Fisher
Purchased in Cameroon, c. 1970. 

$850

Fon Gelede Mask with Bird
SKU: AFM-2001

Fon, Benin, late 20th century
Wood with red, green, yellow, black, white oil paint, with fabric hinge for wings, nylon strings (19"h. x 8 1/2"w. x 10" d.).  Wings and head of bird are operable by pulling strings.  
Ex. collection of Nancy Josephson.  Purchased by collector in Benin, c.2000.

$850

Bobo Butterfly Mask
SKU: AFM-111

Bobo people, Burkina Faso. 20th century.
Wood w/ mineral pigments.
(17 3/4" h. x 64” w. x 9 1/2” d.).

10% off

$900

Product Status: 
Sold
Leather Tigre Mask (#mxm075)
SKU: mxm-075

Acatlan, Guerrero, Mexico,
c. 1980's.
Leather w/ oil paint, mirrors, w/ custom steel stand.
(9" w. x 7" d. x 14" h.)

10% off

$775 incl. custom stand

Product Status: 
Sold
Igbo Mwuo (Maiden-spirit) Mask
SKU: AFM-73

Igbo people, Nigeria
wood w/ mineral pigments, oil paint
(18 1/2" h. x 8 3/4" w. x 13" d.)

Includes Custom Stand

20% off

$950 $760

Product Status: 
Sold
Chokwe Chihongo Mask
SKU: AFM-2207

Angola
Wood w/ mineral & organic pigments (10” h. x 7” w. x 5” d.)

Ex. collection of Jonathan Fisher
ex. collection of Ralph Fisher
Purchased from Herbert F. Rieser gallery, London, 11/3/1965.  

Chihongo represents a male spirit and refers to wealth and power. This mask would have only have been worn by a high-ranking member of society or his sons during festivities, especially during the proceedings of the mukanda, or male initiation. Chihongo is a royal character, and the exuberant arched headpiece with feathers that would have originally have been attached to the mask referenced a type worn by high chiefs. The disk-shaped element protruding from the chin recalls the beard worn by chiefs. Symbolizing the male principles of power, social status, accomplishment, and strength, Chihongo complements Mwana Pwo, or Pwewo, the model for female beauty. (Yale University Art Gallery).

$750

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo con Serpientes Mask from Mexico
SKU: MXM-135

Diablo mask with three snakes, dance and state undetermined - Mexico,
early 20th century
wood, oil paint, ribbon
(14” w. x 9.5” d. x 22”h.).
Ex. Brand collection.

$650

Product Status: 
Sold
Maque Snake mask from Michoacan
SKU: MXM-142

Unsigned but attributed to Victoriano Salgado Morales (1920 - 2012)
Dance of Los Viejitos.  Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
mid-20th century
"Maque" lacquer on carved wood.  (9 3/4” h. x  6 3/4” w. x 4” d.)

$550

Product Status: 
Sold
Old Mask with mustache  from Guerrero
SKU: MXM-151

"Negrito Colmilludo" (tusked little black one) mask.  
Artist Unknown.  Probably Coastal Mixtec, Guerrero or Oaxaca, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint.
(7 1/2" h. x 7” w. x 4” d.)
Tag on back says "Zorroros"

Ex. collection of Jonathan Fisher

$550

Product Status: 
Sold
"Viejo" Maque mask from Michoacan
SKU: MXM-141

Unsigned but attributed to Victoriano Salgado Morales (1920 - 2012)
Dance of Los Viejitos.  Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
mid-20th century
Maque lacquer on wood with natural fiber and animal teeth.
(8 1/2" h. x 6 1/2” w. x 4 1/2” d.)

$475

Product Status: 
Sold
Viejo Mask
SKU: MXM-078

Attributed to Victoriano Salgado Morales (1920 - 2012) Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
c. 1990
"maque" lacquer, wood, animal teeth
(6 3/4" w. x 5" d. x 7 1/2" h.)

 

$475

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo Mask with Reptiles
SKU: MXM-118

Guerrero, Mexico, 20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint, animal horn, misc. materials.
21” w. x 21" h. x 12” d.
From a private collection.

$395

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo (Blue Devil) Mask (#mxm113)
SKU: mxm-113

Manuel Abeiro Horta Ramos
Tocuaro, Michoacan, Mexico,
c.2014
wood, oil enamel
(8" w. x 7 1/2" d. x 9 1/2" h.)

$385

Product Status: 
Sold
Moor Mask
SKU: MXM-129

Moor Mask - Guerrero, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil-based paints.
6" w. x 9 1/2” h. x 3 1/2” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

$375

Product Status: 
Sold
Mustachioed Man from Michoacan Mask
SKU: MXM-150

Juan Horta Castillo
Tocuaro, Michoacan, Mexico,
Signed and dated Sept. 18, 1993
wood, oil enamel
(9" h. x 6 3/4” w. x 5” d.)

$375

Product Status: 
Sold
Tecuan Mask - Dance of the Tejorones
SKU: MXM-128

Tecuan Mask - Dance of the Tejorones - Cuatepec, Guerrero, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil-based paints.
6 1/4” w. x 7 3/4” h. x 3 1/2” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

$375

Product Status: 
Sold
Moor Mask
SKU: MXM-129

Moor Mask - Guerrero, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil-based paints.
6" w. x 9 1/2” h. x 3 1/2” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

$375

Product Status: 
Sold
Chivo Mask (#mxm085)
SKU: mxm-085

Carnaval de Chivos - San Bartolo, Hidalgo, Mexico,
c. 1990's
wood, oil paint, goat horn, Horse hair, ribbon, steel wire
(9" w. x 5" d. x 18" h.)

$365

Product Status: 
Sold
Huichol artist
SKU: hcm074

Huichol people, Nayarit, Mexico, c. 1980's
Beads pressed into beeswax on wood mask
(8" w. x 2" d. x 13 1/2" h.)

$350

Product Status: 
Sold
El Pocho Dance Mask from Tabasco
SKU: MXM-131

El Pocho dance - Teposque, Tabasco, Mexico,
c. 1970's
wood, automotive oil paint,
(6" w. x 5" d. x 7 1/2" h.).
Ex. Brand collection.

 

$325

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo Mask with Reptiles
SKU: MXM-119

Guerrero, Mexico, 20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint.
8 1/4” w. x 16 1/2" h. x 7 1/4” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

20% off

$325

Product Status: 
Sold
"Negrito" Mask with Crown from  Michoacan
SKU: MXM-122

Michoacan, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint, with crown of steel, paper, string, mirror, misc. materials, with custom steel stand.
6 1/2” w. x 11”h. x 6 1/2” d., not including metal stand.
Ex. Brand collection.

$325

Product Status: 
Sold
Mixtec Viejo Moor Mask
SKU: MXM-125

Mixtec region, Oaxaca, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint, with animal hair on skin.
6" w. x 8 1/2” h. x 3 1/4” d.
From a private collection.

$325

Product Status: 
Sold
Maringuilla Mask (#mxm114)
SKU: mxm-114

Juan José Horta Ramos
Tocuaro, Michoacan, Mexico,
c.2014
wood, oil enamel
(7" w. x 4 1/2" d. x 8" h.)

$325

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo Mask
SKU: MXM-076

Pastorela dance - Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
c. 1990
lacquer, wood, animal teeth, cow horns
(15" w. x 6 1/4" d. x 11 1/2" h.)

 

$320

Product Status: 
Sold
Diablo "Satanas" Mask
SKU: MXM0-077

Pastorela dance - Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico,
c. 1990
lacquer, wood, animal teeth, cow horns
(13" w. x 6 1/4" d. x 11" h.)

$320

Product Status: 
Sold
Venado Mask (#mxm097)
SKU: MXM-097

Carnival - Carpinteros, Hidalgo, Mexico,
20th century
wood, oil paint
(22" w. x 5" d. x 19" h.)

$310

Product Status: 
Sold
Chantolo Mask from Hidalgo
SKU: MXM-130

Chantolo mask -  Hidalgo, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil and mineral-based paints.
6 1/4" w. x 8 1/4” h. x 3 1/2” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

20% off

$295

Product Status: 
Sold
Negrito Mask
SKU: MXM-123

Michoacan, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint.
6 1/2” w. x 8 1/4" h. x 4 1/4” d.

$295

Product Status: 
Sold
Chantolo Mask from Hidalgo
SKU: MXM-126

Chantolo mask - Chililco, Hidalgo, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint.
6 1/4" w. x 8 1/4” h. x 4” d.
Ex. Brand collection.
 

$295

Product Status: 
Sold
Huastec "Chantolo" mask from Hidalgo
SKU: MXM-132

Chantolo dance - Huasteca region, Hidalgo, Mexico,
c. 1970's
wood,  oil paint, metal foil.
(5.75" w. x 3.5" d. x 7.5" h.).
Ex. Brand collection.

$275

Product Status: 
Sold
"Aventurero" Negrito Mask
SKU: MXM-120

Silacayopan, Oaxaca, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint, added materials.
6" w. x 6 3/4” h. x 3 1/4” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

 

$275

Product Status: 
Sold
"Silaca Perro Cupido" Negrito Mask
SKU: MXM-121

Silacayopan, Oaxaca, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint, added materials.
6 1/4" w. x 7” h. x 2 3/4” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

$275

Product Status: 
Sold
One-eyed Man - Mexican Moor Mask
SKU: MXM-124

Veracruz(?), Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil paint.
6” w. x 6 1/2" h. x 5” d.
Ex. Brand collection.

$275

Product Status: 
Sold
Bolivian Mask
SKU: blm02

Dance of Diablado
Bolivia, late-20th cent.
Unpainted tin from recycled alcohol cans
(14 1/2" w. x 12" d. x 15" h.)

According to myth there was once an Andean bear. The origin of the mask could be credited to both the indigenous people, europeans or even the Chinese. The bear appears as a figure in many of the street dances, including the Carnaval and Gran Poder during summer solstice. the entire costume has an aura of humor as then participants must wear a body suit made of fake fur to make themselves look beasty.

$250

Product Status: 
Sold
Bolivian mask
SKU: blm04

Dance of Diablado
Bolivia, late-20th cent.
Unpainted tin from recycled alcohol cans
11" w. x 14" d. x 15 1/2" h.)

The condor has always been a symbol of great power as the master of the sky (though it is more a reminder of past glory of the Andean culture, as they are now rarely seen ). The condor attacking and winning over the bull is the image re-enacted frequently.

 

$250

Product Status: 
Sold
"Maringuilla" Carnival Mask from Veracruz
SKU: MXM-116

Viejito dance, Carnival, Veracruz, Mexico,
mid-20th cent.  Originally part of pair with mask #MXM-117.
Wood painted with oil paints,w/ metal earrings
(7 3/4” w x 7 1/4” h x 4 1/4” d.)

$250

Product Status: 
Sold
Carnival Mask of Man from Veracruz
SKU: MXM-117

Viejito dance, Carnival, Veracruz, Mexico,
mid-20th cent.  Originally part of pair with mask #MXM-116.
Wood painted with oil paints.
(6 1/4” w x 7” h x 4” d.)
Ex. Brand collection.

20% off

$250

Product Status: 
Sold
Tocotin Mask from Veracruz
SKU: MXM-138

Tocotin mask - Danza de Tocotines, Moors and Christians, Totonac people, Papantla region, Veracruz, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ oil-based paints.
8 1/2” h. x 7” w. x 5” d.

20% off

$250

Product Status: 
Sold
Yaqui "Pascola" Mask from Sonora
SKU: MXM-133

Pascola dance - Yaqui people, Sonora, Mexico,
c. 1980's
wood,  oil paint, horse hair.
(5.75" w. x 4" d. x 7" h., not including horse hair).
Ex. Brand collection.

$245

Product Status: 
Sold
Yaqui or Mayo "Pascola" Bat Mask from Sonora
SKU: MXM-144

Pascola dance - Yaqui or Mayo people, Sonora, Mexico,
c. 1990's
wood,  oil paint, horse hair.
(9 1/2” h. 8” w. x 5” d., not including horse hair).

$240

Product Status: 
Sold
Yaqui or Mayo Rooster  "Pascola" Mask from Sonora
SKU: MXM-147

Pascola dance - Yaqui or Mayo people, Sonora, Mexico,
c. 1990's
wood,  oil paint, horse hair.
(9 1/2" h. x 5 1/4” w. x 4” d., not including horse hair).

$240

Product Status: 
Sold
Yaqui or Mayo "Pascola" Dog Mask from Sonora
SKU: MXM-149

Pascola dance - Yaqui or Mayo people, Sonora, Mexico,
c. 1990's
wood,  oil paint, horse hair.
(7 3/4" h. x 6 1/4” w. x 5 1/4” d., not including horse hair).

$240

Product Status: 
Sold
Yam Mask, Abelam people
SKU: yam07

Abelam people, Abelam area, Papua New Guinea, late 20th cent.
Woven fiber, organic pigments
(19 1/2" h. x 10 3/4" w. x 6" d.)

$225

Product Status: 
Sold
SKU: hmsk-18

Didier Civile (Jacmel, Haiti)
Papier Maché
(16 1/2" h. x 17" w. x 7 1/2" d.)
c.2007

Exhibited at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville, New Jersey (July to Decenber, 2016) for exhibit:  Shades of Past, Colors of Present:  Preserving Caribbean Cultural Heritage in New Jersey.

20% off

$ 175

Product Status: 
Sold
Skull Mask
SKU: MXM-139

Skull mask - Unknown dance, unknown region, Mexico, mid-20th century.
Carved wood w/ wax, mineral pigments.
7" h. x 5 1/2” w. x 4” d.

20% off

$175

Product Status: 
Sold
Luis Carrillo Felix
SKU: hcm-072

by Luis Carrillo Felix, Huichol people, Nayarit, Mexico, c. 2005
Yarn pressed into beeswax on wood mask
(5 3/4" w. x 1" d. x 8 3/4" h.)

SOLD

Product Status: 
Sold
Recycled Steel Cape Buffalo Mask
SKU: ZMSK-04

Recycled steel from automobiles.  (16.5" x 10" x 3.5").
Exact colors will vary depending on the original car!

$95

Product Status: 
Sold
Papier Maché Mask
SKU: IMSK-8

Nageshwar Dhanalkota & Family, Cheriyal, India, c. 2007
Papier maché with mineral paints, shellac
(6 1/2" h. x 6 1/2" w. x 3 1/2" d.)

$48

Product Status: 
Sold
Papier Maché Mask
SKU: IMSK-9

Nageshwar Dhanalkota & Family, Cheriyal, India, c. 2007
Papier maché with mineral paints, shellac
(6" h. x 5 1/2" w. x 3" d.)

$42

Product Status: 
Sold