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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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    Mask of the Himalayas

    April 4, 2016

    9 Mahakalas on 1 plaque

    July 13, 2018

    Old Kolam mask from Sri Lanka

    December 6, 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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    Mukaha mask from NE India

    December 6, 2017

    Nice Mahakala mask from Tibet

    December 14, 2018

    Old man mask from NE India

    June 27, 2020
  • 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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    Makonde breast plate

    December 10, 2015

    Decorative masks can be fun

    February 7, 2016

    Value of tribal masks from high to low

    October 13, 2018
  • 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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    Authentic Guatemalan mask in excellent condition

    July 31, 2020

    The Mexican Guatemalan mask

    May 1, 2018

    Smiling Gracejo mask from Guatemala

    April 2, 2020
  • 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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    Mexican or Guatemalan clay mask?

    September 15, 2017

    Old Devil masks for tourists

    July 1, 2015

    Routine Mexican Devil

    November 12, 2014
  • 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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    Sande Society mask of the Mende

    November 9, 2015

    Senufo or otherwise

    May 6, 2014

    Modern Chokwe mask?

    June 25, 2017
  • 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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    I’ve never seen an Apache Ga’an

    September 10, 2013

    Old Bella Coola mask from the NWC

    August 16, 2018

    Eskimo artifacts: fantasy in a cold climate

    October 23, 2017
  • 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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    A rough old African

    March 1, 2014

    Happy New Year

    December 30, 2014

    Goli mask from West Africa

    December 26, 2018
  • 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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    Classic Javanese dance mask

    June 21, 2015

    Is this Balinese mask old?

    September 12, 2014

    Balinese clown mask

    May 11, 2019
  • 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

    You May Also Like

    Dayak mask from Borneo

    July 22, 2020

    Yakut iron mask

    April 8, 2016

    Mardi Gras goes back to 1699.

    March 28, 2017
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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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