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  • Mexico

    Little terra cotta head

    January 2, 2016 / 1 Comment

    Q:  This mask is from my grandmothers collection. They think it’s from possibly Aztec or Mayan era. I have researched it have come up with nothing. Please let me know what you think.  Brandon, 879 A:  From the Pre-Columbian era of Latin America, this little head is not a mask, but served some other purpose.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Another great Mexican decorative

    February 8, 2016

    Leather mask from Mexico

    October 28, 2016

    Where did the snakes come from?

    July 17, 2014
  • Bali & Java

    Sometimes repairs are a good idea

    December 30, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I have a very large wood carved mask. It is believed to come from Singapore.  It is a face painted red with black and gold. The face has a third eye on the forehead.  The approximate size of the mask is 24″ L, 18″ W. If you have an address I can send pictures to I would do so.  Charissa, 877 A:  This is a Buddhist-style mask that was made in Bali, probably for export or sale to tourists.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Cheap Balinese tourist mask from 1960’s

    February 25, 2017

    One of many Balinese characters

    March 7, 2014

    Comedy character from Java

    November 3, 2015
  • South America

    Ticuna Indian mask with full costume

    December 29, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  My Aunt and I are on a search to find a new home for a set of Ticuna Indian artifacts her mother collected from the Amazon over 40 years ago.  Please let us know if you’d like me to send you the photos to see if you have any information about them or any interest in inquiring them.  Johnny, 876 A: First of all, apologies to everyone for my failure to do any posts in the previous week.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Black face mask

    March 30, 2014

    Big time masquerade in Bolivia

    May 10, 2017

    Indian mask from SE Brazil

    February 9, 2017
  • Africa

    Kuba bwoom mask

    December 17, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  The mask easily fits an adult, but some of the cowries are missing. There is also a crack which was repaired. I do not know much else. Thank you very much.  Derek, 875 A:  I think this mask is made to look like a Kuba bwoom mask. If it was actually to be used in culture it would probably have more exciting bead and shell decorations and be more carefully carved.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Decorative masks can be fun

    February 7, 2016

    Authentic Chokwe pig mask

    February 10, 2018

    The always entertaining Gelede

    September 1, 2016
  • Africa

    From the Baule people of Ivory Coast

    December 17, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I am working as part of a new BBC drama set in 1814. One of our main characters has links back to Africa and we are trying to find some information/ images of Ashanti masks of this year or just after/ before. I have struggled to find any information on this so far and I am not sure as to whether this tribe really used masks…. I was wondering whether you could offer any help or advice as to what African masks looked like during this time period?

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    Bob Ibold

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    Another Senufo Kpelie mask

    June 12, 2016

    African iron mask

    February 25, 2017

    Big Bedu plank mask

    February 27, 2019
  • Native America,  Protection

    Eskimo sun glasses

    December 16, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  These antique whale bone/scrimshaw goggles came from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska.  Would you have any idea the approximate age of these goggles?  How valuable would these be?  PJ, 873 A:  Indigenous people in the extreme Northern parts of the world have always carved goggles out of wood or bone with thin slits for eye holes. 

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    Bob Ibold

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    Old Inuit mask from Greenland

    June 20, 2019

    Iroquois false face mask

    February 15, 2019

    Kwakiult mouse mask for Disney

    November 4, 2016
  • Guatemala

    Bird mask with big bill

    December 14, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  A friend of mine is struggling to identify a certain mask. It is a bird with a curved, sharp protruding bill. Any info as to origin would be so very welcome.  Lioda, 872 A:  It’s a bird mask from Guatemala. I have seen hundreds of these over the years and they always were made for the tourist trade.  There is one traditional dance in Guatemala which features a hunter and a lot of different animals, but not  birds.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Patzcar mask from central Guatemala

    May 21, 2020

    Pretty cool Guatemalan mask

    February 1, 2017

    More about Guatemalan morerias

    July 11, 2019
  • Europe

    Unique to one town in Spain

    December 11, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Bob, would you know where I can buy a Cigarron mask and also a Caretos masks, thank you.  Liam, 871 A:  Until your email I had never heard of the Cigarrones. It turns out they are part of an annual festival that is unique to a single town, Verin, in Galicia, Spain. There are many cities and towns all over the world that have special events that utilize masquerade.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Carnival time in Venice is the ultimate.

    March 28, 2017

    Romanian traditional mask

    April 17, 2018

    Ancient Greek theater mask

    May 28, 2018
  • Africa

    Makonde breast plate

    December 10, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Not so much a mask, but I thought it may be of interest.  What do you think?  Andrew, 870 A:  Many mask collectors consider this to be a kind of mask. It is usually worn by a man who has a carved wood helmet mask over his entire head. I would call it a pectoral mask of a pregnant female torso with enlarged nipples and a herniated umbilicus. Also note the abdominal tattoos that have been slightly highlighted with the same dark stain as the nipples and navel.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Dan mask from Liberia or Ivory Coast

    February 29, 2020

    African Lega mask with sparkles

    March 12, 2017

    Average Fang mask

    August 8, 2017
  • Mexico

    Mexican masks can be very real

    December 9, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I just lost an auction for an awesome female Catrine mask.  Here’s a photo of it; the eyelids do not close.  With commission, it sold for $1400.  I had bid $1100 and lost, and I’m very disappointed, as you can imagine.  I really wanted that mask.  Aaron, 869 A:  You have my sympathy. 

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Caiman mask from Guererro, Mexico

    May 26, 2018

    A poor mans Paragueros

    February 19, 2014

    Mexican day of the dead mask

    October 16, 2018
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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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