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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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    Brunca Devil mask

    June 5, 2014

    Woven Indian mask from Panama

    February 23, 2020

    Mask and costume from Dominican Republic

    January 26, 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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    Old Oaxacan mask

    April 11, 2016

    Hammered sheet metal decorative

    November 21, 2015

    Where did the snakes come from?

    July 17, 2014
  • 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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    Guatemalan Masks: A Vibrant Exception to Artificial Aging

    August 1, 2023
    This photograph taken on March 24, 2022 shows a "Ngil" mask of the Fang people of Gabon ahead of its auction in March 2022. Photo by Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images

    Elderly Duo Discover Their ‘Garage Sale’ African Mask Was a $4.4 Million Jackpot! Now, They Want Their Fair Share!

    November 3, 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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    A poor mans Paragueros

    February 19, 2014

    Typical, old Mexican mask

    September 22, 2015

    Recent Mexican decorative

    June 23, 2017
  • 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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    Another mask I need help with

    June 25, 2019

    Classic Javanese dance mask

    May 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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    Another interesting mystery

    February 1, 2016

    Kwele mask from Gabon

    January 21, 2020

    Decorative Mwana Pwo mask

    March 31, 2020
  • 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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    Carnaval mask, Bacolod, Philippines

    March 25, 2018

    Moluccans scrimshawed bone mask

    March 7, 2018

    New Guinea wood carving

    June 2, 2018
  • 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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    Sri Balaram mask from India

    July 12, 2017

    Excellent carving with fine details

    August 9, 2013

    7 masks from the Kuchipudi theater in India

    January 8, 2018
  • 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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    You May Also Like

    Good books about masks

    September 8, 2016

    Kolam mask from Sri Lanka

    September 21, 2018

    Deformity masks heal the sick

    August 2, 2014
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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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