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  • Africa

    Interesting mask from the Congo

    November 24, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  This mask was left in our home when we purchased it.  We are not collectors but are very intrigued, and who knows, this may start our hobby.  Can you tell us something about it? Thank you!!!  Machelle, 702 A: I think you are lucky. This is a good example of a used* mask from the Lwalu people from the West Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here masks are used for various rites, plus brief performances to bring good luck before the hunt.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Water spirit mask from Niger delta

    September 26, 2018

    Authentic African Ekpo mask?

    December 28, 2020

    Guro Mamiwata mask

    July 23, 2015
  • Africa

    Blind man’s mask

    November 7, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I bought this unusual African mask from a local dealer.  He told me it was about 100 years old and from the Ivory Coast.  The seller said it was made by the Yaware tribe and used in ceremonies where the magician needed to enter a very deep trance.  Apparently the lack of eye holes made that more possible.  He also said it was very rare and he’d never seen one like it before.  I’m particularly interested in the mouth with the sharp teeth.  I’d love to find out what spirits or creature this mask represents and what ceremonies it was used for.  I tried to google the Yaware tribe…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Elvis Presley Nyau mask from Malawi

    July 8, 2016

    Mysterious Pende mask

    September 6, 2020

    West African mask with coins on her head

    September 18, 2015
  • Africa

    Big, beautiful croc

    October 22, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I have what I think is a Bwa/Bobo crocodile mask that I was told was about 80 years old, from Burkina Faso.  I was wondering if I could send you a few photos of it to see what you might be able to tell me. The closest thing I could find on the web was this:  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fine-Old-African-Tribal-Mask-Nuna-Bobo-Crocodile-Mask-Burkina-Faso-3-1-2-feet-/321188759293.  Many thanks.  Laurie, 692 A:  That is such a handsome mask, and it is more attractive than the one on eBay. The seller wrote a good description so I’m going to share it with our readers.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Female Kifwebe mask from the Songye

    June 8, 2015

    African iron mask

    February 25, 2017

    Buying a Punu mask

    June 16, 2018
  • Africa

    A favorite type of African mask

    September 25, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  This mask looks like ebony wood.  It is 20″ x 9″ wide.  It was a gift from a friend who traveled extensively.  I have had it since the 1990’s.  Cheryl, 685 A:  We see thousands of masks of this basic design and, frankly, in never get tired of looking at them. Here is a little more information.

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    Bob Ibold

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    13 Yaka masks in Brussels show

    February 8, 2018

    Unusual African mask

    July 19, 2015

    Ogbodo elephant mask from West Africa

    June 17, 2019
  • Africa

    Is it as old as it looks?

    September 18, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  Please check out this mask. The seller says it is old (I know they always say this). If you want I can send you few more close-ups. Your opinion is very appreciated. Reminds Luba but these horns.. And also the stitches, were they made on purpose so the mask looks old? Or are they real? The mask has 2 holes at sides and 3 holes for the beard. This is Kigali, Rwanda. Thank you.  Sayn, 684 A:  It’s a horned Kayamba mask from the Lega people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Biombo mask from the Congo

    March 18, 2020

    Rare Samo helmet mask

    April 29, 2017

    Pende pumbu mask

    December 22, 2020
  • Africa

    Hard to recognize East African

    September 7, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I purchased this mask from an auction or estate sale and was wondering if you could tell me if it’s a tourist mask or actual tribal. Thank you. David, 681 A:  I was having trouble identifying this mask and asked my friend Aaron to help. His first choice was the Makonde people who live in both Tanzania and Mozambique.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Huge butterfly mask from the Bwa

    November 27, 2017

    Well-known African mask

    December 18, 2014

    Vuvi mask from northern Gabon

    July 24, 2018
  • Africa

    A little about authenticity

    September 3, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I found this at a goodwill store. Just wondering what the background is and if it appears to be authentic.  Nathan, 679 A:  Your mask an attractive reproduction of a classic Goli Kpan mask from the Baule people of Ivory Coast. This type of Goli mask always shows a beautiful women with an elaborate coiffure and elegant scarification. Yours is quickly made and artificially aged, but nicely proportioned and traditional in style. I like it.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A fine West African pig

    September 16, 2013

    Nice mask from Mali

    January 26, 2014

    Baule mask from West Africa

    September 22, 2018
  • Africa

    A pretty girl all dressed up

    September 1, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I purchased this mask eighteen years ago from an individual. This mask is of particular interest due to its use of materials. Wood mask with hammered metal teardrop under the eye and each is attached with three brads. The mask is surrounded with cloth and crudely sewn. Seashells are attached to the cloth with thread. Two folded over half round circles are attached thru the cloth and have what I assume are rocks in them to make noise. Unfortunately, my wife discarded the certificates of origin. Wood mask size 5” wide X 8” tall. From cloth to  cloth 9“ wide.  From cloth to bells 12.5” tall.  James, 677 A: …

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    Bob Ibold

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    From the Baule people of Ivory Coast

    December 17, 2015

    Interesting show at Brooklyn Museum

    September 2, 2016

    Lipiko mask from the Makonde

    June 3, 2015
  • Africa

    Beautiful West African mask

    August 18, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  Hello, I have this African mask, but I am unsure of its tribal attribution. Can you or any of your visitors assist? Thank you very much!  Andrew, 671 A:  Looks like a Baule or Guro mask from the Ivory Coast of West Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Interesting Dan gle mask

    December 3, 2020

    Dan look-a-like

    November 25, 2020

    Decorative Mwana Pwo mask

    March 31, 2020
  • Africa

    Interesting but unusual

    July 16, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I bought this on ebay years ago. I know nothing about masks, but I like all things old! It is developing significant cracks. There are several small holes that look like they could possibly accommodate feathers of some sort. There are also two small holes on each side that probably were used to attach some sort of string or strap to wear the mask.The mask measures 19 inches by 7 inches. I’m not sure about the type of wood, but it is very heavy. any help would be greatly appreciated.  Chris, 660 A:  The Bwa people of Burkina Faso in West Afrrica is a wild guess,

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    Bob Ibold

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    A well known mask from the Lega

    January 27, 2016

    3 African Helmet Masks

    August 17, 2020

    Be careful of this guy

    December 7, 2013
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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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