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  • Africa

    Authentic, used African mask

    February 8, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I have three masks that my Mom got when working in the Ivory Coast in the 1960’s. I will submit the more outstanding one, the horned and somewhat furry mask. The masks are made out of wood. Do you happen to have more info on this type of mask?   Tatjana, 739 A:  I’m not a expert on African masks, but the three sharp photos you sent suggest the mask may have been used in culture for celebration or ritual.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Punu Mukuyi mask from Gabon

    December 2, 2018

    Authentic African Ekpo mask?

    December 28, 2020

    More on African masks

    June 19, 2020
  • Misc

    Help Wanted

    February 7, 2015 / No Comments

    As usual, the Mask Man has posted answers that aren’t much help to the poor people who sent him pics of their Mystery Mask. I receive several requests per day and I answer all of them, but only post the most interesting ones. Some of those are mysteries to me as well. I need you to write back with a comment. Even a guess would be of some help!

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Feathered carnival mask

    February 22, 2019

    Topeng Theater of Java: Where Wood Comes to Life

    May 5, 2025

    Steeplechase Funny Face

    March 14, 2016
  • East Asia

    Little Borneo mask

    February 7, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I’m doing some research for an elderly friend on some masks she bought in Southeast Asia in the early 1980s. She was particularly interested in the Iban people of Borneo. Some of the masks are quite nice, but this one and another like it, confuse me.  They’re both about 24x15x10cm and seem to be carved of ironwood. The weight and the fact that neither have eye or mouth holes make me wonder if they were ever designed for use.  Thanks so much for your advice!  Sarah, 738 A: I like the way this mask looks, but I can’t pin it down to a particular culture because it is unfamiliar.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Japanese mask festival

    February 27, 2018

    Nuo mask from Guangxi, China

    August 24, 2017

    Japan uses the most masks

    October 12, 2018
  • Oceania

    African woven mask or PNG?

    February 7, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I purchased this basket-woven mask this week at an estate auction in Plainfield, NH, and have no idea of where it is from or its history. Any ideas?  Karen, 737 A: At first your woven mask reminded my of a yam ceremony mask from Papua New Guinea, but the structure of the rear looks more like something from central Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Sepic River area mask

    June 15, 2016

    Colorful PNG mask

    September 27, 2016

    Ask the Mask Man or professional appraisal

    June 2, 2019
  • South America

    Mexico or Ecuador?

    February 4, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I purchased this mask at an arts and crafts fair here in Mexico City. I believe it is originally from the state of Michoacan, but it could be from Guerrero or Oaxaca. I am most interested in masks related to devils or death. I attempt to obtain mask that are “bailadas” which means masks that have been used in some sort of festivity or ritual.  Carlos, 736 A: Thanks for explaining the types of masks that interest you most. I’d love to see more of them.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Strange mask of natural materials

    September 22, 2015

    Indian mask from SE Brazil

    February 9, 2017

    Very old Diablo Umo

    November 13, 2014
  • Africa

    Small West African mask

    January 29, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Could you please help identify this clay and raffia mask? It measures 15″ including the beard. Thanks very much!  Karen, 735 A: Could be from the Guro people of Ivory Coast. I think it shows well, with beautiful colors and a patina that seems old and used. But it is a little small and is made out of clay rather than wood. 

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    A woman’s mask from West Africa

    April 7, 2017
    restored Epa mask

    It looks like it’s just been created

    October 18, 2013

    A favorite type of African mask

    September 25, 2014
  • Misc

    Little trio of masks

    January 28, 2015 / 4 Comments

    Q:  In discussion with a friend, I took a picture of some of the masks on the wall. We were discussing the different origins of Carnival masks.  One looks like the Guy Fawkes mask… I think the other a Venice mask?  I came across your site, as we were trying to research. I unfortunately do not have detailed and separate photos. I know they are for fun and decorations, but if you could help identify where these masks are from, I would be very grateful. If not, I understand.  Ruhi, 734 A:  Seeing your photo of three store-bought plastic masks intrigued me.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Should you buy this mask?

    November 2, 2018

    October 25, 2020

    Large mask or sculpture

    September 11, 2020
  • Native America

    Northwest Coast mask repro

    January 23, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: Here are photos of some masks I have picked up in the last 8 months. What do you think about the bird one?  Jim, 733 A: The masks you sent all look old and used, but whether they are or not remains to be seen. Interest in collecting NWC masks goes back to the late 19th century. Indians started making masks for sale to tourists way before 1900 and have been doing so ever since.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Native American Octopus mask

    October 19, 2017

    This will be a tough one

    November 22, 2013

    Indian Moon mask, Pacific Northwest

    January 29, 2018
  • Europe

    Turnips fly at the Jarramplas Festival

    January 22, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Every January, on Saint Sebastian Day, the streets of Piornal, Spain, fill with residents armed with turnips, seeking to punish the Jarramplas. The Jarramplas is a devil-like character portrayed by a man wearing a costume made from colorful strips of fabric, a frightening mask, and body armor underneath. In a centuries-old tradition, he walks the streets and beats a drum while residents throw turnips at him as a punishment for stealing cattle.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    It’s Krampus time in Austria

    December 15, 2016

    Tschäggättä mask from the Swiss Alps

    February 8, 2019

    Brighella from the Commedia dell’arte

    January 18, 2016
  • Native America

    Hopi masks returning to America

    January 19, 2015 / No Comments

    A charity which bought 24 sacred Native American masks at a controversial Paris auction is to return them to the Hopi and Apache tribes in the US. The US-based Annenberg Foundation said it had spent a total of $530,000 at the auction of masks and other artifacts. Go to this link to see more. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25331975 I applaud this effort by the Annenberg Foundation.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Iroquois whistler mask

    April 3, 2015

    Inuit small stone mask

    February 15, 2016

    NWC Indian mask

    February 6, 2016
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Quiz - Test Your Mask Knowledge

Click Here Take The Quiz

Mystery Mask Value Code

A - high value*

B - collectible*

C - decorative art

D - low value

* A and B do not always imply higher dollar value. Most masks get a C or D, however I usually don't post them.

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