identifying on unknown item

[the_piedmonte_family]

Can anyone help me with this item? what is it? what is it worth?

It came from an auction lot of Asian collectibles.  It's about 7" long with 3 rows of 7 clay painted heads/faces.

Thanks in advance for any insight or suggestions.

[Anonymous]

They look like miniature Japanese Noh masks. Noh are dramatic musical plays. It's a very old art form in Japan. Are the mini masks removable from the holder? Looks like the holder has a handle, maybe it's a decoration carried during a street festival or something. Just a guess. Regards

[the_piedmonte_family]

 Thanks for the suggestion.

There is braided straw loop, probably for hanging.  The heads can be removed, but I don't think it's intentional.