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  • Bali & Java

    Sometimes repairs are a good idea

    December 30, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I have a very large wood carved mask. It is believed to come from Singapore.  It is a face painted red with black and gold. The face has a third eye on the forehead.  The approximate size of the mask is 24″ L, 18″ W. If you have an address I can send pictures to I would do so.  Charissa, 877 A:  This is a Buddhist-style mask that was made in Bali, probably for export or sale to tourists.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Comedy character from Java

    November 3, 2015

    Newer mask from urban Java

    December 8, 2019

    Old Balinese mask

    May 17, 2019
  • Bali & Java

    This big Barong is meant to scare

    November 7, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: I am trying to gather as much material on the masks I own….for my children. I never bothered to write down how much they cost, where I got them and when. Wish I was more diligent. The photos are of a large wood carved mask. Do not know anything about it. Was bought at a indoor flea market. Any thoughts? Mickey, 856 A: Barong masks are used in village ceremonies held in rural Bali and Java. These large, heavy masks must be held with the aid of two handles protruding from the rear. The mouth can be moved up and down. This one is of a boar, but there…

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    Troy

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    Did she get a good deal?

    September 21, 2018

    Indonesian dance mask for the poor

    September 18, 2018

    Old Java mask with nice patina

    August 25, 2018
  • Bali & Java

    Comedy character from Java

    November 3, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: “I will always answer your email.” Quote from you, Bob. Well, I haven’t heard word one from you. I first submitted my mask about a year ago, I think. When I hadn’t heard anything for several months and reviewed your site and did not see it, I resubmitted my photos. Still no word. I’m still very interested in any information you might give me. Let me try this again. Joanne, 853 A: Joanne, thank you for being so patient with me. I hope I can deserve it.

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    Troy

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    Love it or hate it

    October 23, 2013

    Unusual mask from Java

    January 26, 2014

    Javanese traditional dance mask

    October 19, 2017
  • Bali & Java

    Another old mask from Bali

    July 29, 2015 / No Comments

    I have an antique Javanese mask that I purchased from Japan of all places. Its got exactly this same red pigment paint, and that has flaked in a few places to reveal a lighter pigment of the same color below. See the link to it below. The one I am referencing is the “urban” version. Everything about mine, the age/insect activity,dryness of the wood, patina, cracking in the paint, style etc, all points to this being ca 1900-1930 in my opinion. I suspect the latest in your blog fits squarely into that same time period. Hope all is well. Book looks like it has come along!  Nate, 816 http://www.ebay.com/itm/181637062949?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

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    Bob Ibold

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    This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali

    July 17, 2013

    Masks are a big deal in Bali

    September 22, 2013

    Cakil is one of the bad guys

    May 9, 2015
  • Bali & Java

    Early Balinese mask

    July 25, 2015 / No Comments

    This is a mask I acquired from Germany about 40 years ago. I was told it was from Bali, but I wouldn’t rule out other parts of Indonesia. It is 13 inches tall and has been repainted several times. It probably represents a high-ranking character in one of the dance dramas. Since it could have been in a German collection for a long while, it could be quite old. It will be pictured in the new reference book we are about to publish. Have you ever seen a Balinese mask this old?  Bob, 815

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    Bob Ibold

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    Unusual Balinese monkey mask

    July 1, 2019

    Cakil is one of the bad guys

    May 9, 2015

    Bad guy from Bali

    August 3, 2016
  • Bali & Java

    Classic Javanese dance mask

    June 21, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  We got these at a garage sale. I presume they’re Indonesian – Javanese? I have cheekily submitted the two, because they’re so much a pair. They are too small to be actual costume masks I think. Unless worn by children. Any thoughts?  Jessica, 795 A: Javanese dance masks sometimes look small to American and European collectors because we tend to be larger than the Indonesians. I don’t think it is for children. This particular mask could be Raja Putri or some other high ranking member of the court in the classic

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    Bob Ibold

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    Little Rangda mask

    December 7, 2016

    Old half-mask from Bali

    December 5, 2014

    Cululuk, a witch from Bali

    July 27, 2018
  • Bali & Java

    Cakil is one of the bad guys

    May 9, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Hey! I have a question if you or anyone else have any information about this mask. It hangs on a wall at home here in Sweden, but I have no clue about it other then I believe it’s from Malaysia.  Varg, 775 A:  Let’s go further south to Java, Indonesia.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Bird mask from Indonesia

    October 25, 2014

    The famous Rangda mask

    July 1, 2018

    Village mask from Java

    December 16, 2018
  • Bali & Java

    Javanese masks

    January 2, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: I have two similar, but different  red Topeng masks that look to be authentic, used, ethnographic items. Are they the same character? It seems as if they might be, but if so, why the differences? Is it due to their disparities in age or from the original locations? Thanks, Nate, 722 A: The Mystery Mask blog is restricted to one mask per person, but I will make an exception with these two.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Pale blue Javanese mask

    August 16, 2018

    Indonesian dance mask for the poor

    September 18, 2018

    Bagong mask from Java

    May 4, 2020
  • Bali & Java

    Good old or bad old?

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I’m trying to find out where from and how old this mask is that my wife inherited. The mask’s parameters are as follows: height              10″ width                 8″ leather beard    14″     Thanks, Pierre, 714 A:  This is a character from the classic dance dramas of Bali. It probably isn’t very old. I say that because if a mask is used for a long time it slowly develops wear and a patina on its surface. This mask is faded, the paint is chipping off and three of the four fangs are broken off. It…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Classic dance mask from Java

    May 23, 2017

    That old and used look

    April 5, 2016

    Primitive tribal masks from Java

    October 29, 2018
  • Bali & Java

    Old half-mask from Bali

    December 5, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I recently purchased this mask at a non-internet estate auction as part of an auction lot. Size is 6 1/4″ h x 5 1/2″ w. Light elegant wood with a true antique feel (wavy patina). The red paint might be storage splatters. I collect well-crafted, antique ethnographic items.  Jerry, 707 A:  Your excellent hi-res photos suggest this is a very old Balinese mask used for the Topeng dance drama that has been performed there for hundreds of years.

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    Bob Ibold

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    That old and used look

    April 5, 2016

    Another old mask from Bali

    July 29, 2015

    Javanese traditional dance mask

    January 9, 2017
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Quiz - Test Your Mask Knowledge

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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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