Hi Lawrence,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The looped feature of this mask - in this case a snake - is characteristic of masks made in the West African country of Ivory Coast / Côte d'Ivoire. From the treatment of the paint, this is 20th Century, probably mid-late 20th Century, and probably for the tourist trade and/or export; it's unlikely to have been made for ceremonial tribal purposes.

Comparable examples of similar size and age have sold at auction recently for between $100-150.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage African export carved and painted wood mask
Ivory Coast, mid-late 20th Century
The stylized figure with red wash surmounted by a long-beaked bird and a green and yellow snake whose body wraps around the head. Pierced along the back edges.
21 inches high, 13 inches wide
CONDITION: This African mask appears to be in generally good condition with minor surface wear, all commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$100-150*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia