Featured Erm ... a mask made of wood and mebbe a soul or two

Does anyone have any idea were I could start with...this?
Is it Dracula inspired?
Literally have no idea.

The chain looks to be from a bath plug.

Heavy...13 *unlucky for some* inches down ( 23 cms) and 8 inches across (21 cms)

Looks to be chisel marks inside.

Doubt it was ever worn, but curious about the inspiration

EEEEKKK!!!









Hidden doggo!!









This bit looks like a chin strap maybe?


Thanks,everyone xxx​

 

Look more like a cattto now! Both are acceptable so all good with me

 

Mask looks like a prototype, a sample suggested for use in a theatrical play. There are holes to breathe through but no outlet or hole for the mouth, so it wasn't a finished prototype, only a design sample I think. Pierrot, the French clown character comes to mind, perhaps for an existential type production, or a gothic fantasy character. The chain is IMHO there so the mask could be hung for display, possibly with several other example prototypes. Not for attaching in the back of the head as it has no hook but is secured at both ends to rings. An example of theatrical prop art would be my guess.

 

Thank you,Liz,that's interesting and gives me something to look for xx

 

It may be a version/inspired by masks made by The Punu in West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, Congo).

https://www.genuineafrica.com/African-Masks-Punu-Mask-33.htm


https://www.afrika-shop24.de/en/exclusive-african-mask-punu-tribe-viii-with-stand_13724_21182

 

Ooh! Can see similarities, off to look, thank you xx

 

I was going to say Mardi Gras but I don't think so.

 

Seal pup?

 

looks like two pieces of wood glued together..
likely an Indonesian tourist carving of no distinct tribal variety ...

 

We don't have that here, of course it could have travelled but I don't think I've ever seen anything like that x

 

Pretty sure it's one piece? xx

Just a good look...it's one piece (Not that I think it makes any difference )

Reminds me of this in negative

 

DO have a weakness for ANY kind of pup!

 

It looks like and has the feeling in the hand and irl something someone knocked out for whatever reason in their own time. Just wondered what someone was thinking of inspiration-wise. xx

 

Well, then I'm at a loss to say how it was carved out in the back, that would leave knife marks all around the sides....but none in the bowl , which looks to be flat , with only eye and nose holes showing knife marks....???

 

Bou, there is a new thread dedicated to dolls:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/the-doll-thread.62035/

 

I defer to your better judgement, Sir Komo...you're usually right. It's been upside down in my kitchen for the last ten years or so being used as a hold everything bowl.
I still can't see a join but I am not au fait with wooden things, I believe you though I can't see where a join would be but maybe I'd just not see as am a bit short sighted at all times and am not sure what one would even look like xx





Can see what you mean now I've thought about it,Komo,and I bet you're right, as always I have no idea xx






This looks as if it's where a join would be/is but feel smooth, maybe it's been sanded ?
(I love using tech terms)





I get your point about the flat back and carvey sides now. I'd still say it was one piece if I didn't know but now you mention the flat bits, I can't see how it's possible either x



Thank you as always, makes much more sense Komo xx​

 

Ya...well.......to err is human , to reexamine ones perception, is sometimes necessary ....

Your new pics force me to suspect it's one piece, as the grain of the wood seems to line up well as it climbs the carved rim....

I'm at a loss to explain the flat interior.....





it is unusual to my eye !

 

Thank you,my friend. I do think it's one piece but as previously mentioned,I am largely clueless xxx​

 

I asked Mr. Bou what he thought,he also thinks one piece and he usually has more idea than I with wood stuff but he's in a hurry and only looked quickly.
As mentioned it's been upside down for years so we don't get any points for perceptive-ness but we just took it for granted and threw stuff into it. I still think it's one piece but as ever,always prepared to rethink!​