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  • Africa

    Beautiful discovery from the Congo

    October 28, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Dear members of African Arts group. I would like to ask for a help to identify this beautiful and highly expressive mask.  http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/African_Arts/photos/albums/52889153  I have purchased it as a ‘Kwame’ mask, however, my colleague from France suggested possible Zande influence. At the same time there are certain characteristics of Lega visual language articulated here. Thank you very much.  David, 574 A: The question was sent to the African_Arts groups first.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Decorative tribal-style mask from Africa

    February 20, 2020

    Kuba bwoom mask

    December 17, 2015

    Decorative Guro mask

    April 14, 2015
  • Africa

    More about tourist carvings

    October 26, 2013 / 1 Comment

    A few days ago someone sent pictures of this carved head to African_Arts, the Yahoo discussion group. She was asking for more information about the piece. (It reminds me of some masks that have been sent to the Mask Man.) One of the group’s members wrote the following answer, which I found very interesting, especially after just writing the previous post. Here it is.  

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    Bob Ibold

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    Mystery Kuba mask from Central Africa

    December 2, 2019

    Turtle shell Bwami mask from Africa

    October 5, 2020

    Yoruba Gelede Mask

    May 29, 2017
  • restored Epa mask
    Africa

    It looks like it’s just been created

    October 18, 2013 / No Comments

    Recently I noticed this large and beautifully painted piece on eBay. The copy said “Authentic Yoruba Epa mask. Expertly refurbished & lovingly restored. Tribally used. No cracks, scratches or breaks. Impeccably repaired. Used by the Ekiti Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria during their annual Epa festival.” I was amazed to see an Epa mask in such pristine condition. 569 Wikipedia says “An Epa is a ceremonial mask worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria during the Epa masquerade.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Makonde breast plate

    December 10, 2015

    3 Guro antelope masks from West Africa

    October 15, 2018

    Igbo crest mask from Africa

    November 24, 2020
  • Africa

    Unusual mask from the Congo

    October 7, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: I recently purchased this mask from a Cameroonian street vendor in NYC. He said it was from Congo. It is made of wood, fairly light and pithy (palmwood?) and is roughly 16″H. After some online research I found a Bushoong mask that was on exhibit in Durango, CO earlier this year: As you can see it is strikingly similar. So perhaps mine is of Bushoong origins or a reproduction there of. More importantly I’m curious of it’s spiritual connotations. Is it for divination, sorcery, initiation? Goodwill, evil?  Chris, 566A A: I also looked through some books and searched the internet finding nothing quite like your mask.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Blind man’s mask

    November 7, 2014

    Some Guro masks are profitable art

    May 10, 2017

    Leopard mask from Mali

    August 29, 2016
  • Africa

    Featured artist on Novica.com

    October 6, 2013 / No Comments

    “My name is Salihu Ibrahim, and I was born in the eastern region of Ghana in 1964. My father, Ibrahim, died when I was a child and I’m certain his death actually changed and shaped the course of my life. With the death of my father, I was sent to live with one of my father’s closest friends, Opanin Osei, a renowned traditional carver to the then Akwamu chief and the people of Akwamu. At the age of ten, I was fully under the carving tutelage and control of Opanin Osei, who usually carved the items and then passed them on to me for the final polishing and beautification. I…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Pende deformity mask

    July 7, 2020

    Chokwe Pwo mask

    May 18, 2018

    Bull mask from Guinea Bissau

    June 13, 2019
  • Africa

    Traditional masquerade continues to evolve

    September 28, 2013 / 1 Comment

    In recent years Phyllis Galembo, Professor of Art at the University of Albany, has traveled around the world photographing traditional masquerade. She finds villages where the rituals and celebrations are still in use and she captures these beautiful performers on film. One of her books, Maske, published in 2010, is filled with photos from Africa and the Caribbean. The mask (on the left) is from an Aromgba village in Nigeria. Here are a few more of her pics.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Igbo mask

    September 5, 2016

    Bedu mask from Ivory Coast

    April 13, 2019

    African Mystery

    October 26, 2020
  • Africa

    This African is still a mystery

    September 25, 2013 / 4 Comments

    A: You helped me a week ago with my African pig mask. I have another mask, but I see you only do one mask per person. How can I get you to look at another mask?  Diane, 556 Q: I don’t do two or more in a row, but I’ll make an exception this time because I’m intrigued with this particular mask.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A special iron mask from Mali

    August 24, 2013

    Mask from the Congo

    April 17, 2015

    Beaded elephant mask

    April 24, 2018
  • Africa

    Beautiful religious artifact

    September 24, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Recently I purchased a mask from a local shop in Sydney which sells various goods from Oceania and Africa. The mask is made of wood covered with metal strips and wires (copper?). I like its look and enjoy having it in my house, and would be very grateful if you let me know if this mask is of any significance. Ted, 554 A: A very nice piece indeed, it is a reliquary figure from the Mahongwe people of Gabon, West Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Rare Bindji mask from DRC

    March 4, 2019

    Popular Salampasu mask from the DRC

    June 12, 2017

    Baule Ram Mask

    March 12, 2017
  • Africa

    Tourist mask of unusual wood

    September 18, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I have mask that my grandparents got in Africa and just want some information like where in Africa it came from and just what it is.  Chrisitna, 551 A: This unpainted, wooden mask may have come from Africa, but it is not associated with any cultural tradition I am aware of.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Goli mask from West Africa

    December 26, 2018

    Cheap tourist mask from Africa

    February 23, 2019

    The Masks of West Africa

    February 18, 2016
  • Africa

    A fine West African pig

    September 16, 2013 / 3 Comments

    Q: It has (or had) feathers around the top of it, and it has black mesh ‘balls’ around the perimeter of the face. The mesh is stuffed with something, although I don’t know with what. Can you tell me which tribe, area of Africa, and what type mask it is? Also if it would have any value or rarity?  Diane, 550 A: I’ve seen pig masks from several different West African countries, but a good guess is the Chokwe people of Angola.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Guro antelope mask

    May 12, 2017

    Toma Poro Society mask

    April 2, 2015

    Guere mask from Liberia

    July 30, 2018
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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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