12"H T-arms can be bent to hold masks. These are more rigid then our other "T"-arms and are not softenend. These are harder to bend but will support more weight. The upright is about 1/4". The top bar is about 1/8" x about 10" across. The base is .5" acrylic. *Note: Avoid putting pressure on soldered joints when bending as this can cause breakage.  

* click here for a video of a mask being mounted

Sometimes a standard size just isn't right. You might want a larger armature or a smaller armature, or maybe you need a stronger upright or a more delicate upright. Whatever your need we can customize or custom build an armature for you.

Custom T-arm Information   *T-arm only*   *T-arm and base*

We have been fabricating custom artifact displays for 35 consecutive years and our team has a combined 150 years of experience in the field of artifact mount making. If you have questions, need guidance or advise please feel free to call (800-862-9869) or email us.

For an entirely custom armature check out our Custom Mount Making page.

*Nice and sturdy, but easy enough to bend into shape, and the price feels right for the quality. It looks good and does the job without detracting from the actual display piece.
W.G. (Greenwich, CT USA)

*Great product, quick shipping. I wish there were instructions on fitting a mask to the bars though. Great price. Be careful it scratches easy. - Rebecca

*The arms are a little difficult to shape but once in place it does the job. - LD

*Exactly what I wanted, Very pleased with all aspects of sale!!!! - P Marshall

*Stands work well for a tall mask as well as small ones. The video was key to making the display stands work. - Barbara B, CO

*The stand was as described and very sturdy to support my African mask which is made of wood. - Deedee

*We bought some Congo masks and these stands were wonderful to display them. I bought two and put it on my end tables. They are sturdy enough and really great for the price. - Grace C

Mounting African Masks

African ritual and ceremonial masks are usually made of wood and have holes along the sides where string or cord was used to hold the mask in place. These holes can be used to mount the mask on a stand or hang on a wall. You could simply run a string or wire through the holes to hang it, or mount it on a base with an armature. The metal wire follows the inside perimeter so it cannot be seen through the openings in the mask such as the eyes and mouth. The wire goes into a hole on each side of the mask to hold it in place. It looks better to bend the post where it comes to the bottom of the mask back and away from the mask, then down to the base. This will add dimension and keeps the post back from the mask. The base is commonly made of metal or other materials can be used such as acrylic or wood. Custom mounting for masks can range from $80 to $400 depending on quality of the mount and size of the mask. Our custom division, 10-31 Inc., has been mounting African masks for over 25 years. They carefully mount the mask with just the right proportions and finesse giving it a very clean look.

Another alternative for mounting masks is to do it yourself. Art Display Essentials has stock “T”-arms that can be used for that very purpose. They come as a basic “T” shape that you can bend the arms down and place into the side holes. The height of the post could be adjusted although you would need a hack saw or bolt cutters to cut through the ¼” steel. You can see these “T”-arms here:

http://www.artdisplay.com/mask-stand.html

Some masks cover both head and face or full headdress. These may be easier to mount by using a base with a post and a fitting on top. The fitting is sometimes custom shaped to correctly fit the piece. There are also stock bases for this situation as well at Art Display Essentials. These stock items can also be used for helmets, hats and other items of that nature. They can be seen here: http://www.artdisplay.com/helmet-hat-stands.html

Other masks, including masks that are not African, may be made of metal like copper or bronze; or stone such as jade or steatite. The stock stands may or may not work with these depending on size and weight. However, a custom mount can be made by 10-31 Inc.

African masks are typically used for rituals and ceremonies and are also a popular collector’s item, also seen in galleries and museums. Some African mask types are: Baule Mask, Biombo Mask, Bwa Mask, Dan Mask, Goma Mask, Kota Mask, Kwele Mask, Ligbi Mask, Lulua Mask, Lwalwa Mask, Pende Mask, Punu Mask, Senufo Mask, Teke Mask, Woyo Mask, Yohure Mask.

http://ancientartifact.net

http://africanmaskdisplay.com

http://museumdisplay.com

http://helmetstand.net

Armature holders, can be used for displaying and holding a variety of artifacts and figurines like Egyptian Ushabtis, Olmec masks, small Bi, Coreform glass, small bronzes, Roman glass, Greek bronze figurines, Faience glass, Terracotta figures, Hellenistic art, Mycenaean figures or blades, Byzantine crosses, small Mezcala figures and small masks, Colima artifacts, Mayan gold figures, small masks, Aztec gold and artifacts, Chavin art, Moche figures, Quimbaya gold artifacts, Pre Columbian Celts, gold figures, and small jade masks, Cycladic figurines, small Inuit figures, Indian arrowheads, Chinese Tang, Ming, Ching dynasty art and jade Chinese Bi's, small African masks, Nordic artifacts, Japanese Tsubas, and artifacts, and small collectible dolls.

Mounting art work can increase its value and make it more presentable to the viewer.