Is this a ceremonial mask? African or South American

Hello all.

I was wondering if somebody could tell me more about this mask and what it was used for. I read that these things were made for ceremonial use?

My husband says it's African but the familie member I received it from was American. Could it maybe be from that area?

It also has part of a seal to the back with some numbers I guess.

Any guesses.

 

This mask doesn't look African at all. Chinese or Japanese, to me. And the wax seal remnant on the back *may* reinforce a Chinese origin. MHO. Wait for others.

 

Could be, wouldnt have a clue to be honest. I thought maybe Polynesian orso.

 

As Bakersgma says, not African. My first impression is Japanese. The red wax stamp looks like the type that you find on Chinese objects that have been approved for export (which does not preclude the mask being Japanese).

 

where ever from...it's a tourist item, as the rear is not carved to be wearable..and it's painted over.........

 

The images are very clear, so details can be seen. Thank you for that.

 

Asian for sure. Yes Chinese "antiques" that are approved for export used to have a red lacquer seal on them, but that's not a Chinese seal. No Chinese characters on it or red star. Those look like Burmese writing to me, IMHO.

 

It might be Korean -

https://www.gpsmycity.com/articles/73-17-uniquely-korean-souvenirs-to-buy-in-seoul.html