These two wooden masks appear to be quite old and belonged to now deceased relatives. I don't know their origin, but they seem to be a primitive pair with black as their base color, with white and red for eyes, and red for mouth. One mask is horned and more menacing in nature, while the other hornless mask has distinctive golden eyebrows.
Dimensions
Both are 7 inches wide and 9 to 9.5 inches tall
Acquired From:
Inherited
Dear Patricia, Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal. Based on the images and available information, this item is: A Wooden mask used by the character "Chocalheiro". This type of mask is used in traditional winter festivals in the region of Trás-os-Montes, in northeast of Portugal. These are generally referred to as "Young men's Festivals", which until the mid-twentieth century constituted, amongst these communities important rites of passage to adulthood. This mask is part of the cultural heritage left by Celtic settlements in the north of Portugal (13th Century BC). Masks were a central part of pagan rituals at the time, representing demons, animals and valued human assets such as wisdom, happiness and experience. 20th century. Good condition. Retail prices may vary.
