posted on September 5, 2000 06:21:17 PM
I received this message on today's emails:
"I got the mask and was very disapointed with it. I expected an older mask
equal to the previous one I got from you. If it was used for local dance I
would be surprised. The stiching inside is of modern sinthetic thread. The
leather (especialy interior seems new) shows no wear. I feel the mask was
not properly described and would like to return it and get my money back.
Waiting for your reply."
I replied:
"Hello XXXX
I'm truly sorry about your disappointment. I got these 2 masks (I only
brought 2, so you got both) from the same "artisan" in Guerrero, Mexico, and he
told me these were used in dances (In the description says "This was
certainly used in local ritual dances, I was told. " ) Please note the [b]"I
was told"[/b], it means that it was word-of-mouth, and nothing factual.
Now, from what I remember, these are not full head helmets, but instead used
as "hats", wearing them as you would wear a hat, with a full body costume
underneath, so the wear is not supposed to be inside, but in the rim
itself, and sometimes not even there, as the user usually puts some kind of
cloth to protect forehead and back of the head from the hard edges of the
leather. A lot of the times, these kind of items are used just a couple of
times, then discarded.
Also, in no part in the description the age is mentioned, so you told me you
expected an older mask like the previous one, and the auction had 4 big pics
so you could see details.
I feel the mask was not wrongfully described, and I think you got a one of a
kind and unique item.
If you still want to return the mask, I could email the underbidder (he is a
very good customer of mine) to see if he wants it.
Please let me know"
posted on September 5, 2000 06:27:50 PM
if you want to be a good seller, the customer is always right, even when they are full of sh#t, its not worth the hassle, and if it was described based on heresay your case is rather weak..
every 20 seconds in america a woman is giving birth:SHE MUST BE FOUND AND STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.................................................................
posted on September 5, 2000 07:14:32 PM
I personally beleave this item is represented
well.
it is folk art and as such you could be told it surely it was used in rituals. much folk lore grows from part truths, and part smoke and mirrors.
its mexican its hand made it odd looking prolly not antique but not brand new either.
but heck you have a second bidder refund offer to pay shipping back to you sell to the second buyer if nothing else you will save your self a pound of flame mail and bad feed back.
WWW.dman-n-company.com
[ edited by dman3 on Sep 5, 2000 07:16 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2000 07:51:14 PM
Yeah I know it's listed on the Antiques & Art category.
That's because I couldn't find a more suitable category for the stuff I sell, and Collectibles: Folk Art is too broad.
If anyone can suggest me a better category than Antiques & Art: Ethnographic: Latin American for the stuff I sell, please feel welcome to do so.
------------------------------------------------------------ I'm breathing so I guess I'm still alive Even the signs seemed to tell me otherwise http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/preacher4u/
posted on September 5, 2000 08:01:41 PM
Actually, it's listed under "antiques and art:ethnographic". This A&A category drives me nuts because not all the As are also As, and vice versa.
Good pix of the mask, no statement that it's antique BUT I think you're being a tad weasly by saying "well, I said they TOLD me it was used in..." and that since you're just passing on hearsay, you're off the hook. Moreover, the bidder isn't claiming you represented the item as an antique, but that it had been used, which apparently it has not. What was the age/conditin of the other mask the bidder bought from you previously?
I suggest that if a reasonable person (like you) could determine that it was unlikely to find a used mask in a tourist shop, and noticed the synthetic materials - OR if he decided to NOT notice them - he's skirting the truth to benefit himself. You pass on 3rd-party information you know is questionable, or you turn a blind eye to bad provenance or a flaw (hey, the guy I bought that vase from TOLD me it was perfect!), you are asking for trouble, because somebody's going to give it to you between the eyes.
I think your statement that the mask "was used" in certain ceremonies is far too equivocal, and could easily be read two ways: either masks like this were used, or this very mask, this one here, was used in the ceremonies, IOW somebody actually danced around with it on his head; and therefore I'd recommend you refund. And then practice saying exactly what you mean, rather than assuming people will latch on to YOUR meaning of whatever you said. Much cheaper than refunding.
Personally, I think it's cool.
[ edited by HartCottageQuilts on Sep 5, 2000 08:02 PM ]
