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  • Caribbean

    Masks of the World Presents: The Authentic Boruca Collection!

    September 22, 2023 / No Comments

    Venture into the heart of the Costa Rica rainforest with us as we unveil a treasure trove of history and artistry. For the first time, we’re thrilled to present a collection of 19 authentic danced Boruca diablito masks. These aren’t just any masks; they are a testament to the rich history and revival of the Boruca mask-carving tradition. 🌳 A Revival from the Brink 🌳 In the 1970s and 80s, the art of Boruca mask carving was nearly lost. But, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Ismael Gonzalez, this ancient craft was reborn, infusing life and passion back into the Boruca community. The masks in our collection are a reflection…

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    Devil mask from northern Venezuela

    June 26, 2018

    Diablico Sucio carnival mask

    November 1, 2015

    Woven Indian mask from Panama

    February 23, 2020
  • Mexico

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

    August 3, 2023 / No Comments

    Ask: I recently purchased this mask at an antique market. The seller informed me that it belonged to a mask collector whose estate was currently being sold. The mask was labeled as Mexican however the seller knew nothing else about it. I purchased this mask as well as one other for $125. The mask appears to be Papier-mâché.   This mask design looks somewhat like the Diablo masks from Nahua people of Temalucatzingo, Guerrero but since it’s Papier-mâché, I’m thinking maybe it’s from Mexico City since there quite a lot of papier-mâché crafts made there.  I’ve also seen papier-mâché Diablo masks from Oaxaca and the Cora people, of Nayarit use…

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    The wild and crazy Tastoanes

    July 5, 2016

    History of Mexican masks

    February 21, 2018

    Mexican decorative

    May 28, 2017
  • Collecting,  Discover & Learn,  Displaying

    Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection

    July 19, 2023 / No Comments

    Are you sitting on a treasure trove of cultural masks but aren’t quite sure how to keep them in their prime? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into the world of preservation, because trust me, there’s nothing sadder than a mask losing its charm. First off, let’s set the stage with a quick fact: masks are more than just pretty face coverings. They’re nuggets of history, carriers of cultural heritage, and every chip, every color, every thread has a story to tell. So, how about we keep those stories alive, huh? Let’s start with rule numero uno – keep ’em clean, but be gentle! We’re dealing with delicate materials…

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    Traditional vs. Authentic Masks: Understanding the Nuance

    August 8, 2023

    Time for a reality check: The Truth Behind Your Treasured Mexican Mask

    August 4, 2023

    The Fascination of Native American Masks: Unraveling History, Artistry, and Cultural Wisdom

    July 13, 2023
  • Displaying

    3 Unique Ways to Display a Mask

    July 11, 2022 / No Comments

    I love seeing a wall full of masks but what if you want to make one masks the focal point?  One masks to control them all! (Sorry, I couldn’t help making LOTR reference).  Hanging one mask all by itself might draw attention but it seems a bit sparce to me.  If you have an intriguing story to go along with the single mask or maybe a plaque placed under it, that might suffice but let me try to inspire you to reach a little bit deeper into your creativity. The following 3 ideas for creating a single mask focal point will hopefully get your juices flowing and help you come…

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    Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection

    July 19, 2023
  • Mexico,  Travel

    Embark on a Mask-terful Journey: Oaxaca, the Ultimate Starting Point for Aspiring Mask Collectors!

    May 2, 2022 / No Comments

    For mask collectors and adventure seekers Oaxaca has it all.  There are countless festivals and celebrations many of which involve the use of masks.  You’ll even see the use of masks in some weddings and graduation ceremonies! I’ve traveled to numerous places around the world and Oaxaca, Mexico holds a special place in my heart.  I’d go as so far as to call Oaxaca my second home.  I’ve spent more time in Oaxaca than anywhere else in the world (other than Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA where I grew up). In addition to masks, there are amazing ancient ruins (Zapotec, Monte Alban) just a 30-minute bus ride from the center along with…

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    Pre-Columbian masks & statues

    November 26, 2019

    Unique Mexican Devil Mask

    February 24, 2017

    Huichol mask from Mexico

    July 13, 2020
  • Indonesia

    Indonesian Tiger Mask

    January 7, 2022 / No Comments

    Q: I think the mask that I have here should be an old Sumatran Tiger mask? I acquired it out of a Dutch private collection dome 20 years ago. Could I ask your help to identify this beautiful mask. – P

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    The new popular: Borneo Hudoq Masks

    April 29, 2024

    Another mask I need help with

    June 25, 2019

    2 wild boar masks from Bali

    July 21, 2019
  • Africa,  Oceania,  Unknown

    Oceanic Mask?

    November 15, 2021 / No Comments

    Q: Daniela ask: Unfortunately I don’t know anything about the mask. We bought it from somebody in Czech.                                                                                                                        

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    One of my favorite masks… Chewa

    January 13, 2019

    Baga snake headdresses from Guinea Bassau

    July 27, 2019

    Big mask from Tanzania

    February 16, 2017
  • Oceania

    Dayak Mask from Borneo

    September 5, 2021 / 4 Comments

    Q: I found this carved wood mask in a consignment store several years ago. It is 20 inches long, has an articulated mouth and holes along the open edge in back to hold bark strips or hair. There are no modern materials used, no wire or nails. Just wondering if you knew where it might be from.

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    Small PNG mask in nice condition

    January 6, 2016

    Modern Mosquito Mask

    February 15, 2016

    Colorful PNG mask

    September 27, 2016
  • India & Himalayas

    Nepalese Buddhist Mask

    August 22, 2021 / No Comments

    Q: I bought this mask online last week and paid less than $100 for it. The seller described the mask as African . I have a fairly large collection of African masks so I knew that was incorrect. I supposed it to be from somewhere in the Himalayan region. It has obvious wear and some damage which has been repaired. Has red wax seal on back. – Ken

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    Old, used mask from Nepal

    July 26, 2017

    Old but still colorful Indian mask

    July 30, 2017

    Hairy leather mask

    August 22, 2017
  • India & Himalayas

    India Monkey Mask

    August 20, 2021 / No Comments

    I think this mask came from the 1964 NY World Fair and it’s made of papier-mâché.

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    Another shaman’s mask from the Highlands

    September 18, 2017

    Famous 10-headed King Ravana

    September 10, 2013

    Valuable Kolam mask

    October 3, 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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