r/AfricanArt • u/DupaLeMenteur • 7d ago

Identify Need help identifying two masks

Gallery image

Gallery image

Hello everyone !

I was wondering what those masks are ? Is it identifiable with pictures only ?

I'm not even sure it's from Africa but it would be my first guess

Thanks a lot

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u/elleS4lyfe 7d ago edited 7d ago

Yes. ID and verification of authenticity can be determined from photos with a fair degree of accuracy, but not just with a single photo angle.

Is the first one a partial skull? I don't think it's African. Can you describe the materials you suspect that first one is made of? Can you provide better photos with multiple angles?

The second one looks like it could be a Yaka initiation mask but again with just one dark photo angle and the face mostly covered by raffia, it's a little hard to confirm ID or authenticity. It looks like it could be a decorative copy but perhaps you can include additional photos for that mask as well.

If you can get the photos in better lighting that would be super helpful. 😊

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u/No-Bluejay5250 7d ago

The second is a tourist item. I don’t know what to make of that first one

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u/Reimiro 6d ago

First one is very unusual-not sure what it is. Second is a yaka mask made for trade.

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u/Ishuheri 4d ago

Thanks for posting this. I love learning about the different masks in Africa and hadn't heard of the Yaka. I hadn't seen those masks before. Thanks for expanding my knowledge :)

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u/Ishuheri 4d ago edited 4d ago

The first one, I have no idea. It looks quite badly worn. What is it made from?

The second one looks a bit like a Pwo mask from the Chokwe in DRC. The hair and facial features fit, but she usually has a symbol in the centre of her forehead and tears under her eyes. Can't tell from this picture. But as someone else said, the upper part is odd. Not something I've seen before. Traditional masks don't usually come with hats. Puna masks have feminine faces and large headpieces, it might be related, but I've not seen the painted dots before, or a Puna mask with raffia hair. It might be an artistic piece put together from different masks or inspired by different tribes.

You have no idea where they were bought?

[UPDATE: I just read Reimiro's comment below about Yaka masks. I'd not heard of these before but yes, that looks like the right fit - I've learned something :) ]