Object : Mask
Culture : Maasai
Country :East Africa
20th Century
Vessel Cultural Exchange
The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley. Their society is comprised of sixteen sections (known in Maasai as Iloshon). The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who lived under a communal land management system. Each section manages its own territory. According to Maasai traditional land agreement, no one should be denied access to natural resources such as water and land. The lifestyle of the Maasai should be embraced as a response to climate change because of their ability to farm in deserts and scrublands.
Maasai men are first and foremost warriors. They protect their people, their cattle and their grazing lands. Often standing over 6ft tall the Maasai warrior with his beaded hair, red checked blanket (shuka) and balled club, looks both fierce and beautiful. The Maasai women are responsible for all domestic tasks which include making their homes. The Maasai women are as impressive as the men in their looks. Tall, slender and bedecked with large beaded necklaces and long braided hair.
theblastmuseum 
What does this particular mask represent. I have an identical mask with one notable exception, the eyebrows. The images in the mask I have are male on the right side, female on the left.
Strength and power
This is a truly tourist-style mask, made quickly in almost a mass-production manner, and made to be sold to non-Africans who want an “African mask” or “African carving” to put on their wall. At a store near me, this is the type of mask they throw in as a bonus if you spend a hundred dollars. Please show some better quality masks. Thank you.
Look at the third and fourth photos in my blog piece on WordPress. I probably paid less than you did for that one. Because I knew where to look: https://randybowlestories.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/art-of-the-bamana-people-of-mali-part-1/
My friend. If you are referring to the Massai mask featured on theblastmuseum.com .Your opinion is wrong about it and all of the African art featured on the blastmuseum.com. You are right in the fact that, there are many reproductions sold in gift shops and novelty stores. Some of my African art does appear to be so, trust me all of my collection is authentic. I have a M.A in Museum Studies and my area of concentration was African art. I’ve had the opportunity to study many extensive African art collections. But your input was taken into consideration by the BLAST Museum Investigators and we’ll have something for you soon. I am currently away from my collection causing post delays. But, remember to visit us again soon.