By Robert A. Ibold

The 2002 Masks from Around the Word show contained items from many different cultures. Some were for tribal rites and religious celebrations, while others were designed for parties, plays, holiday celebrations, or just for hanging on the wall. Modern protective masks used for sports and specialized work were also included.

Like all collections, it reflected the personal idiosyncrasies of the collector, which in my case is an interest in all types of masks from all over the world.

An all-encompassing collection such as this may not be best for everyone. Most collectors choose to specialize. While I do not necessarily practice what I preach, I would urge the beginning collector of masks to focus on a particular region or type.

When selecting an area of interest, keep in mind that some categories are more accessible and therefore more affordable. For example, Mexican masks are plentiful, but those of Northwest Coast Native Americans are quite scarce; original movie monster mask are hard to find, but reproductions of the same characters can be readily purchased.

Most of the masks in this collection are from areas that still produce a lot of folk art. Few could be considered rare or old. In fact, Masks from Around the World includes many items you could buy on the Internet for less than $50 each, so one doesn't have to spend a lot of money.

For more on ways to organize your collection, please read my article called Organizing Mexican Masks.

The best investment a new collector can make is in a library. Some excellent books are out of print but are usually available on eBay or from specialized book dealers.

You're now ready to start collecting. You could go back to those shops, galleries, and museum stores that sell masks. They will be glad to see you and your checkbook, and you can probably count on them for quality and authenticity.

There are more affordable alternatives. Flea markets and yard sales can be a source for occasional good buys. I’ve spent many weekends searching these venues. Back in the 1970s, tribal art was unappreciated in rural Pennsylvania and dealers would sell those "ugly masks" for very little money. Not any more.

The market for masks and other tribal art has grown. Those unappreciative dealers are now asking high prices for their masks. This was becoming a problem for me, and then I discovered eBay.

I've been buying and selling on the Internet ever since, and I highly recommend it to you as well. It is like a giant, worldwide flea market that specializes in whatever you want. You can review hundreds of masks in an hour, instead of walking an entire weekend just to see three or four.

EBay can be risky. You must base your decision to purchase on a small photograph and a written description. Another problem with eBay is that great deals are scarce. That's because there are plenty of other collectors online who are looking for the same deals as you. The only time I ever get a bargain is when a mask is listed under the wrong category and I am lucky enough to stumble upon it.

When you buy at a flea market or on eBay, there is often no information as to origin and no guarantee of authenticity. This can be a major concern in today's marketplace as there are so many fakes and reproductions.

There are various degrees of authenticity: used authentic, new authentic, decorative, reproduction, fake, and junk, in descending order of desirability. (See the side-bar "Different Degrees of Authenticity" for more information.)

David Mattern, a mask collector and friend, advises to always check the back of masks for signs of wear: "Face mask wear occurs on the sides. Most masks fit rather snugly and the bouncing up and down causes polishing from friction and body oil at the point of contact. The head sweats profusely so there are areas where sweat stains or very fine salt crystals can be observed. Dancers drool can cause stains, especially with masks having a bite bar or bite rope. Finally, wear on the fastening holes suggests usage." All of these signs can be detected by looking at the back of a mask—something you can't do with a photo or museum display.

Authenticity is not the only characteristic the mask collector needs to consider. Age, rarity, condition, craftsmanship, and other qualitative factors could all be important—and will influence the price. If a mask measures up well to all of these, chances are you will have to pay a lot for it. The good news is that these high-quality pieces will most likely appreciate in value. Fakes, reproductions, tourist junk, and authentic-but-inferior masks are not a good investment.

That doesn't mean one must collect as an investment. In fact, most collectors only buy what they like. It simply wouldn't be as much fun to do otherwise.

1. Authentic Used—This is what most serious collectors and museums are looking for-- masks that were truly used in ceremonies and celebrations. Signs of wear, age, damage, repairs, and repainting can make the mask even more desirable. However, collectors should be careful. Used masks can be faked, and though a quick "antiquing" job with tinted varnish is easy to detect, the more sophisticated forgeries require closer inspection. West Africans have been faking masks and other traditional sculpture for more than 100 years and they have become very good at it.

2. Authentic New—Same as the above, but never used. In other words, a mask that could have been used, but was sold instead. It may show some signs of age from being stored or displayed improperly. It will be culturally correct and is usually in good condition.

3. Decorative—This term is used to describe new masks that were made for tourists and collectors. Sometimes they are well made and quite inventive. For example, Mexican carvers often make a few non-traditional designs for the market after they have satisfied the needs of their village, bringing them extra money and the fun of creative expression.

4. Reproduction—Copies of traditional designs abound. For example, many of the West African masks available today are copies. However, they may deviate in materials and production technique, be artificially aged, and quite likely come from a shop far away from the appropriate village. I have a Northwest Coast Indian reproduction that was carved in Indonesia.

5. Fake—Same as the above, but these masks are misrepresented as authentic. When carefully done, these reproductions can be hard to tell from the real thing. Sometimes they even show up at the big auction houses. Before paying a lot for any mask, do your best to verify its authenticity.

6. Airport Art—Also called tourist art, junk and worse, they include Mexican masks with bats and bugs on them, sharp-toothed ghouls from the Philippines, flat-faced black women carved in Haiti, and much more. Most collectors avoid them, though they can provide exotic decoration.

Most masks are made to be used and are quite durable. If seriously damaged, they may be repaired, but I would caution against doing it on your own. Even when done by an expert, repairs can lower the mask's value. Obvious repairs and changes in appearance are strongly discouraged. It is best to just give the item a light cleaning and hang it on the wall as is.

Sometimes masks, especially those from tropical countries, may be infested with insect larva. It doesn't happen very often, but if you are ever surprised by these unwanted guests, here's what to do: Put the mask in a freezer for two weeks, defrost for two weeks, then back in the freezer for another two weeks. An alternate method is to fumigate the items in the fumigation chamber of a local pesticide company. Often the charge is low because they can put it in with a batch of furniture.

The obvious way to display masks is to hang them on the wall. A solid white or some neutral color as the background is best. As you acquire more and more masks, I would suggest moving them closer together on the wall rather than putting them everywhere. Of course, you'll have to get out the spackling compound and touch-up paint occasionally.

Collectors can also use special metal stands that come in various sizes. They are designed for both regular and the helmet-type masks. The regular type have two spring steel arms that snap into the rear sides of the mask and hold it above the base, whereas the helmet-style stands are a straight rod with a smaller plate welded on the top. Masks on stands can be displayed on tables and can be enjoyed from different angles. You can purchase steel stands from the Cottreau Gallery on eBay for as little as $25 each.

Some large masks look great hung from the ceiling. Clear monofilament is good for this. If you are lucky enough to purchase a complete costume that goes with a mask you'll need a department store mannequin or a large stand with a crossbar.

Masks are a blend of painting and sculpture that dramatically reflect the creativity of different cultures. That's what appealed to me when I started picking up ethnic masks at flea markets twenty years ago. These unexpected forms, colors, and textures were very exciting.

But another person might point out that masks, which serve as symbols in rites of passage and in festivals of renewal, tell you much about the culture from which they come. This collection—with its more than 300 examples from Europe, Africa, India, China, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Americas—offers a unique perspective on the people who make the masks and the societies that use them.

The collector will find that masks are beautiful objects of art in their own right, as well as fascinating statements about the people and places from which they come.