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  • India
    India & Himalayas

    Wow! Another Indian mask

    September 30, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: This papier mache mask was found at indoor flea market. Would like to know more about it. Thank you.  Mickey, 561 A: Another Indian mask! In the previous post I expressed my disappointment that Indian masks were not more appreciated by collectors…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Colorful Mahakala from the Himalayas

    June 30, 2016

    Great little Sri Lankan mask

    October 14, 2015

    India has important traditions of masquerade

    May 9, 2015
  • India & Himalayas

    How do you find out about Indian masks?

    September 29, 2013 / 6 Comments

    Q: Here is a very heavy, 17-inch tall Indian mask carved out of a hunk of wood. What do you think… is this piece ethnographic or tourist?  Nate, 560 A: Ethnographic Indian for sure. But I don’t know where in India it is from or what use it was intended for.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Deformity masks heal the sick

    August 2, 2014

    Chhau mask needs headdress

    April 11, 2018

    Old Himalayan mask

    April 25, 2017
  • Africa

    Traditional masquerade continues to evolve

    September 28, 2013 / 1 Comment

    In recent years Phyllis Galembo, Professor of Art at the University of Albany, has traveled around the world photographing traditional masquerade. She finds villages where the rituals and celebrations are still in use and she captures these beautiful performers on film. One of her books, Maske, published in 2010, is filled with photos from Africa and the Caribbean. The mask (on the left) is from an Aromgba village in Nigeria. Here are a few more of her pics.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Much larger Congo mask

    December 2, 2014

    The Songye Kifwebe mask

    February 17, 2016

    Kota reliquaries are often in mask collections

    March 2, 2019
  • Guatemala

    Guatemalan masks have strong traditions

    September 27, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Thoughts on this one? Is it turn of the century Guatemalan? The original eyes likely were glass. About 1/3 of the side of the mask once fall off and was glued back on. Would adding new glass eyes add value or subtracts?  Nate, 558 A: It’s an old, used, classic Guatemalan probably from a lesser morreria, but I can’t see any initials.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Beat-up Guatemalan still here

    March 22, 2014

    Early monkey mask from Guatemala

    October 27, 2019

    Guatemalan Jaguar mask

    October 6, 2018
  • Mexico

    Authentic or decorative– both can be desireable

    September 27, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I got this big chicken in Mexico many years ago. Its 30 inches tall and 9 wide. Thanks for any info you might have.  Jerry, 557 A: Decorative masks are not only made for the tourist trade in Mexico,

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    Bob Ibold

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    The Devil’s Craft: A Mexican Papier-mâché Masterpiece

    August 3, 2023

    Nice souvenir of Mexico

    May 10, 2014

    Popular Mexican armadillo mask

    January 6, 2017
  • Africa

    This African is still a mystery

    September 25, 2013 / 4 Comments

    A: You helped me a week ago with my African pig mask. I have another mask, but I see you only do one mask per person. How can I get you to look at another mask?  Diane, 556 Q: I don’t do two or more in a row, but I’ll make an exception this time because I’m intrigued with this particular mask.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A woman’s mask from West Africa

    April 7, 2017

    Tourist masks can look good

    December 18, 2014

    Kuba Bwoom helmet mask

    April 29, 2015
  • Native America

    Shaman’s mask from the Far North

    September 24, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q: The attached photos are of a mask I purchased from an estate in Maryland. I was told the previous owner had a few mask in her collection and other collectibles from Alaska. Not sure if it is Alaskan and the reason for sending you photos. The depiction of teeth is something common in many Alaskan masks. What are your thoughts.  Alfonso, 555 A: I’m not sure either, but I’ll bet it’s from one of the indigenous people of Alaska, Siberia or Northern Canada.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Native American Octopus mask

    October 19, 2017

    Kwakiult mouse mask for Disney

    November 4, 2016

    I’ve never seen an Apache Ga’an

    September 10, 2013
  • Africa

    Beautiful religious artifact

    September 24, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Recently I purchased a mask from a local shop in Sydney which sells various goods from Oceania and Africa. The mask is made of wood covered with metal strips and wires (copper?). I like its look and enjoy having it in my house, and would be very grateful if you let me know if this mask is of any significance. Ted, 554 A: A very nice piece indeed, it is a reliquary figure from the Mahongwe people of Gabon, West Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Bamana Ntomo mask from Mali

    November 15, 2019

    Bottom of the line

    April 25, 2014

    Kuba Bwoom helmet mask

    April 29, 2015
  • Bali & Java

    Masks are a big deal in Bali

    September 22, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: This mask has been in my family for many years and none of my living family knows anything about its origin. It is the size of an adult head. The materials appear to be on the front a light coloured wood, inside there is a wicker effect and black material. The jaw of the mask moves and appears to have steel pins and a reed effect on the inside. The hair appears to be made of animal hair.  Anne, 552 A: The Topeng, or traditional dance dramas, are very popular in Bali, and your mask depicts one of many Bondres (comic characters) used in the performances.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Petruk from East Java

    July 26, 2017

    Unusual Balinese monkey mask

    July 1, 2019

    Another old mask from Bali

    July 29, 2015
  • Misc

    The mask as a subject for art

    September 19, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I would appreciate a brief description of the raku mask, it measures approximately 11″ x 6″ and was purchased at an estate sale. I am an artist and a mask collector.  Ann, 552 A: As an artist and mask enthusiast it makes sense that you would be attracted to a beautiful piece of art such as this.

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    Bob Ibold

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    The art of Paolo del Toro

    January 18, 2018

    More art masks

    December 19, 2020

    Help needed for fine mystery mask

    January 28, 2020
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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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