I, for one, would have never expected to see something like this come up for sale. I guess you never know what someone has been hanging onto in their monster collections.
Of all movie props to pop up at auction, this has got to be one of the most esoteric; the original ritual skull mask used in what is considered the first Canadian horror film, THE MASK (1961). Besides the wild mask, the movie itself is pretty bizarre and is often cited as "surrealist horror".
Here's a LINK to a previous post about THE MASK.
Lot Description:
Mosaic Skull Ritual Mask from the Cult Film The Mask (Warner Bros., 1961). Vintage original vivid and iconic skull mask constructed of cast fiberglass shell with hinged, movable lower jaw, painted in metallic gold, ivory and red with hand embellishment of unique colorful blue, black and turquoise chipped stone mosaic tiles. For horror fans of the 1960s, this mask will be remembered for haunting their nightmares. Even for kids too young to see such films, the image of this mysterious skull, seen in monster magazines, newspaper ads and posters, is unforgettable. Aside from the mask itself being an iconic horror image among horror imagery, the movie, The Mask, is also considered the very first Canadian horror movie as well as the first 3D movie from Canada. Originally from the collection of legendary publicist, actor and pop culture figure Jim Moran who combed the globe adding exotic oddities to his mask collection. The theatrical, ritual mask measures 11" x 7" x 7" and is accompanied by 4-documents relating to Jim Moran's promotion and publicity for the film, 2-Warner Bros. 8" x 10"production photos for the film with 1-retaining studio paper snipe, and related newspaper clippings and magazine articles. Exhibiting age, production wear and soiling. In vintage Very Good condition. From the estate of Jim Moran. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.
NOTE: This information is from an auction preview, so I don't have any info on active biding.