Yes, the mask is wood, and I believe it is yellow pine. It was a piece of driftwood that had dried out above the tide line on the banks of the Cape Fear River. I saw the ear that was formed from a knothole. I applied four different colors of paint, and then a clear coat.
I promise it doesn't look as scary or harsh in reality. The photos make it appear rougher in finish, as well.
Here are a couple of close-up views of it:
