**First Time At Auction**

Central to Eastern Europe, German-Austrian or Slavic cultures, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A wood festival and carnival mask for festivals that stemmed from ancient pagan rituals - the "goat man" has leather ears and bristly hairs and rabbit fur. Nearly every European country has a type of horned mask similar to this, that are worn during winter festivals and carnivals; such as Koliada, Busojaras, Capra, Perchtenlaufen, and Shrovetide (Mardi Gras). People traditionally dress in costumes and masks of fantastical and local characters such as Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, and Perchta. Goat and sheep features that look devilish, likely had pastoral roots - sheep and goat herding were widely practiced in these regions. Size: 12" L x 8" W (30.5 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private Goldstein collection, Denver, Colorado, USA. The Goldstein's have amassed their collection over the past six decades.

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#177101

Dead & inactive insects clumped in the fur. Goatee hairs are loose and almost completely torn off. Wear to wood, nicks and chips. Good condition.