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  • Africa

    Small West African mask

    January 29, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Could you please help identify this clay and raffia mask? It measures 15″ including the beard. Thanks very much!  Karen, 735 A: Could be from the Guro people of Ivory Coast. I think it shows well, with beautiful colors and a patina that seems old and used. But it is a little small and is made out of clay rather than wood. 

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    Bob Ibold

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    Unusual Bambara mask from Mali

    January 17, 2016

    Okukwe mask, Galoa people, Gabon

    February 8, 2020

    Nice West African mask

    March 7, 2018
  • Africa

    To collect or not to collect

    January 11, 2015 / 4 Comments

    Q:  This mask from Africa is at least  50 years old.  I do not know more about it … bought it 20 years ago in a garage sale. I’m not a collector of masks. Thanks.  Louise, 728 A:  Thanks for the excellent photos. The mask is from somewhere in West African. It was designed with a combination of references to various cultural traditions… then made to look used and old.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Simple Gelede mask from Nigeria

    January 13, 2016

    Africa’s greatest mask

    April 27, 2020

    From somewhere in West Africa

    September 28, 2015
  • Africa

    Happy New Year

    December 30, 2014 / No Comments

    This charming photo by Phyllis Galembo is called Four Children in Fancy Dress. It shows a Nobles Masquerade Group from Winneba, Ghana, taken in 2009. It comes from Maske, a book by the photographer that shows all sorts of African masks and costumes. You should treat yourself to this beautiful book. It is in print and not expensive. Best wishes to all,  Bob, 721

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    Bob Ibold

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    African traditional art influenced the modernists

    December 15, 2013

    Cheap Liberian mask

    July 21, 2018

    Real masks vs. tourist souvenirs

    April 28, 2017
  • Africa

    Mwano Pwo mask

    December 27, 2014 / No Comments

    Both Lwena and the nearby Chokwe people of southern Democratic Republic of Congo use this type of mask. It represents the ideal female beauty, Mwano Pwo, and is danced with male counterparts, Chihongo, during initiation ceremonies and other important occasions to bring fertility and prosperity to the village. Most share the depiction of facial scarification patterns, filed teeth, fanciful and inventive hair styles. Despite the mask’s appearance and excellent quality of carving, it was probably made to be sold. This is good news because it means you can afford something just like it for your collection.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Kuba masks from Central Africa

    September 23, 2019

    Biombo mask from the Congo

    March 18, 2020

    Why are real African masks so hard to find?

    September 10, 2013
  • Africa

    The price of African masks

    December 26, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Bought this at garage sale..it looks and feels old and authentic. Made of wood and fabric and shells.  Robbie, 717 A:  One African art dealer calls this is a Dan Deangle mask from Ivory Coast in West Africa and goes on to say that

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    Bob Ibold

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    Punu crest mask or reliquary head

    November 3, 2016

    Pwo mask from the Congo

    November 4, 2015

    Puno mask from Africa

    August 26, 2019
  • Africa

    Well-known African mask

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Bamoun mask Grassfields region, Cameroon 13 inches, wood The Grassfields Cameroon, West Africa are one of the richer parts of Africa for masks and other forms of art. This dates back to the powerful kingdoms that dominated Cameroon two centuries ago. This mask is very typical of the Bamoun (Bamun) people for village ceremonies and secret society ritual. Today, mask making has grown to become a major income producer for the area. Here is an example that is well carved and in excellent condition.   Bob, 715 I just saw a much more expensive mask than this one, which is described in the “Mask for sale” section of our website. Then…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Sande Society mask for women only

    July 16, 2019

    Cheap Liberian mask

    July 21, 2018

    Toma Poro Society mask

    April 2, 2015
  • Africa

    Tourist masks can look good

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I found this mask in an antique store in South Carolina.  Was curious what it represents. Thanks!  Rosalind, 713 A:  This is a decorative piece of art in the style of a Baule mask from Ivory Coast, West Africa. The real ones are called Ndomas by the Baule, and they are said to portray an honored person of the village who is celebrated during a ceremonial dance known as Mblo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    African owl mask with handle

    April 28, 2017

    Pende deformity mask

    July 7, 2020

    Guro elephant mask from West Africa

    March 10, 2020
  • Africa

    Royal elephant mask

    December 15, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I live in Sydney, Australia, and I want to know if  you can please tell me about the origin, value and history of this wooden elephant mask. It has French Cameroon coins and shells imbedded on it. Please check attached photos.  Charbel, 712 A:  Large masks like this were made for the Bali ruling class of western Cameroon.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Antiqued Maiden Spirit mask

    April 23, 2014

    Mwaash aMbooy Kuba mask

    May 24, 2019

    African traditional art influenced the modernists

    December 15, 2013
  • Africa

    Much larger Congo mask

    December 2, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  Just wondering if you could kindly identify this mask for me. I came across it whilst in Africa. It came off a truck that was doing a trans-Africa tour approx 30 years ago. I believe it came from West Africa. It is wooden with a rafia beard and the size including beard is 137cm (wooden mask height only is 68cm), the width is 39cm, so it is quite big.  Paul, 704 A:  When it rains it pours Congo masks. This one is indeed big. Masks this large are made by African tribes occasionally.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Dan mask from Liberia or Ivory Coast

    February 29, 2020

    Pair of Chi Wara “masks”

    July 6, 2014

    Real masks vs. tourist souvenirs

    April 28, 2017
  • Africa

    More from the Congo

    November 24, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I’d love your thoughts on this mask I recently bought at auction; it’s around 30cm in height and made from a fairly light weight wood. Could it be from Congo I wonder? Many thanks in advance.  Nicky, 703 A:  Yes, it could be from the Congo, and possibly from the same area as the Lwalu mask that just came in a few hours ago. So what I said previously applies to your mask as well.

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    Bob Ibold

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    West African mask with coins on her head

    September 18, 2015
    restored Epa mask

    It looks like it’s just been created

    October 18, 2013

    African mask with no mouth

    January 7, 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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