I bought a wooden African mask from a local antique store. The seller claims it’s authentic and over 50 years old. The mask is dark brown, has some scratches, and weighs about 2 pounds. Need help identifying if it’s genuine or a tourist piece.
Sign Up to CordQA.com, the questions and Answers Engine to ask questions, answer people’s questions, and connect with other people.
Login to CordQA the questions & Answers Engine to ask questions answer people’s questions & connect with other people.
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
I bought a wooden African mask from a local antique store. The seller claims it’s authentic and over 50 years old. The mask is dark brown, has some scratches, and weighs about 2 pounds. Need help identifying if it’s genuine or a tourist piece.
Based on our research about in African art authentication, genuine masks show hand-carved tool marks and natural wood grain patterns. Look for irregularities in carving that indicate hand craftsmanship rather than machine production. Authentic pieces develop a rich patina from ritual use, with darker coloring in recessed areas.
The wood should feel dense and show age-appropriate wear patterns. Tourist pieces typically use lighter woods, have uniform surfaces, and lack ceremonial wear marks. Consider getting a professional appraisal for definitive authentication.
To determine if your African mask is authentic, examine its craftsmanship for irregularities or hand-carving signs, as genuine masks are often unevenly carved. Check the wood type—traditional African masks are made from local hardwoods, and authentic ones show aging signs like wear, patina, and natural cracks. Authentic masks typically feature symbolic designs unique to specific cultures, so research the mask’s origin and compare it with known styles from that region. Scratches or signs of use could indicate age, but excessive wear or artificial aging may suggest it’s not genuine. Asking for provenance or expert opinions can further confirm its authenticity. Lastly, be cautious if the price is unusually low, as genuine antiques are usually valued higher.