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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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    Him and her masks from Puebla

    September 19, 2016

    Unusual Mexican Tigre Mask

    June 3, 2016

    It’s fix-up time

    February 21, 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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    Black characters show up everywhere

    August 27, 2013

    Cululuk, a witch from Bali

    July 27, 2018

    This big Barong is meant to scare

    November 7, 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

    You May Also Like

    Indian cloth mask from Ecuador

    March 13, 2018

    Ticuna Indian ceremonial mask

    June 21, 2015

    South American Indian mask

    February 24, 2019
  • 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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    Typical African masks bought by beginners

    January 16, 2021

    A Tale of Two Masks from Nigeria

    March 23, 2017

    Unusual African mask

    February 22, 2018
  • 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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    3 Guro antelope masks from West Africa

    October 15, 2018

    Even an expert can ask for help

    December 23, 2016

    Pende African buffalo mask

    January 17, 2021
  • 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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    Early Eskimo sun glasses

    May 9, 2014

    A mask from East Greenland

    February 22, 2016

    Eskimo artifacts: fantasy in a cold climate

    October 23, 2017
  • 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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    Excellent 100 yr-old mask

    October 21, 2018

    Guatemalan masks have strong traditions

    September 27, 2013

    Guatemalan bull mask

    March 29, 2016
  • 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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    Busos scare away Winter in Hungary.

    March 28, 2017

    Tschäggättä mask from the Swiss Alps

    February 8, 2019

    Tschaggatta mask from Swiss Alps

    March 13, 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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    Northern Rhodesia Mask (now Zambia)

    June 28, 2021

    Nice Bwa Mask

    May 5, 2016

    Contemporary African masks are rejected.

    October 8, 2018
  • 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

    Another wonderful mask from Candelario

    September 3, 2016

    Big mask with little snakes

    June 11, 2015

    Good-looking tigre mask

    September 23, 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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