Suar Wood Masks Appraisal

Indonesian Suar Wood Carved Wall Masks

This is a pair of hand-carved decorative wall masks, likely crafted in Indonesia (possibly Bali or Java) from Suar wood or a similar medium-density tropical hardwood. The left mask features an elongated form with a highly unique 'crawling hand' motif atop the head, slanted almond-shaped eye cutouts, a long angular nose, and a protruding tongue. The right mask exhibits a slightly more organic top with carved leaf-like or floral elements flowing into the facial features, which include deeply recessed eyes and a wide, grimacing mouth. Both items display a warm, medium-brown stained finish with darker pigments applied in the recessed areas to accentuate the relief carving and create depth. The carving style is expressive and artisanal rather than mass-produced, showing varying textures and chisel marks. In terms of condition, the wood appears dry with a natural matte patina; there are no catastrophic cracks visible in the provided image, though the topmost edge of the left mask shows some rough, uneven wood grain that may be a natural feature or minor storage wear. The items likely date from the late 20th century to early 21st century, often sold as decorative souvenirs or global-style interior accents. The craftsmanship is of good commercial quality, with smooth transitions between the anatomical features and decorative flourishes.