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  • Collecting,  Discover & Learn

    “Unmasking the Hilarity: The Wacky Upsides of Starting a Mask Collection”

    July 25, 2023 / No Comments

    Hello, fellow mask enthusiasts! So, you’ve stumbled upon our mask collecting blog and you’re wondering, “Why on earth should I start collecting masks?” Well, let me enlighten you with the wise words of someone who’s asked themselves this question a thousand times. The Coolest Hobby: First off, you have to admit it’s a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine being at a party and someone asks about your hobbies. Do you really want to be the thirteenth person to mention jogging? Or would you rather casually say, “Oh, I collect exotic masks from around the world”? Trust me, you’ll have the room’s attention faster than you can say ‘Noh mask’! Face Your…

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    Paula Diaz

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    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

    Why You Probably Shouldn’t Buy That African Mask (But We Know You Will Anyway)

    August 15, 2023

    Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection

    July 19, 2023
  • 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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    Troy

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    Time for a reality check: The Truth Behind Your Treasured Mexican Mask

    August 4, 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

    Traditional vs. Authentic Masks: Understanding the Nuance

    August 8, 2023
  • Discover & Learn

    A Brief (and Quirky) History of Masks – From Prehistoric Art to Pandemic Protection

    July 18, 2023 / No Comments

    Greetings, dear readers! Today we embark on a journey that is equal parts historical, cultural, and a smidge whimsical. We’re pulling back the veil on the dramatic (and often unexpected) history of the mask. 40,000 B.C. – Prehistoric Self-Expression Our time-traveling tale commences in prehistoric times. Imagine, if you will, the first mask-wearing figures etched out in cave paintings. These early mask connoisseurs used them for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes. The Stone Age fashion was, apparently, very avant-garde!   3,000 B.C. – Golden Elegance of Ancient Egypt Next, we pop over to ancient Egypt, where masks served a dual purpose in religious ceremonies and death rituals. The iconic golden mask…

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    Paula Diaz

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    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

    Guatemalan Masks: A Vibrant Exception to Artificial Aging

    August 1, 2023

    Time for a reality check: The Truth Behind Your Treasured Mexican Mask

    August 4, 2023
  • Discover & Learn

    “Unmasking the ‘Evil’ Behind the Mask: A Exploration into our Fear of the Covered Face”

    July 17, 2023 / No Comments

    As humans, we’re hardwired to look for faces. From the moment we’re born, we seek out eyes, noses, and smiles. So, what happens when that familiar face is hidden behind a mask? For some, it stirs up fear and suspicion, transforming an innocent piece of material into an emblem of evil. But why is this? Firstly, we can’t ignore the influence of our cultural and religious beliefs. Throughout history, various societies have employed masks to depict spirits or entities that are often seen as malevolent. This archaic perspective has woven its way into our collective consciousness, embedding the idea that masks can be evil. Next, we turn to the world…

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    Paula Diaz

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    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025

    Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection

    July 19, 2023

    Guatemalan Masks: A Vibrant Exception to Artificial Aging

    August 1, 2023
  • Collecting,  Discover & Learn

    The Fascination of Native American Masks: Unraveling History, Artistry, and Cultural Wisdom

    July 13, 2023 / No Comments

    From the icy landscapes of Alaska to the arid plains of Arizona, the diverse tapestry of Native American cultures has yielded an array of striking and profoundly meaningful artifacts. Of these, perhaps none capture the imagination quite like Native American masks. These artifacts are more than mere objects; they are conduits of an ancient heritage, an intimate dialogue between past and present, between humanity and the cosmos. Here’s why owning one of these incredible pieces is a treasure trove of cultural wealth, and if you’re fortunate enough to possess one, count yourself truly lucky! The Artistic Allure of Native American Masks The first striking aspect of Native American masks is…

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    Paula Diaz

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    Guatemalan Masks: A Vibrant Exception to Artificial Aging

    August 1, 2023

    Time for a reality check: The Truth Behind Your Treasured Mexican Mask

    August 4, 2023

    Traditional vs. Authentic Masks: Understanding the Nuance

    August 8, 2023
  • Discover & Learn

    Inside the Mind of a Collector: Why Do We Hoard, Anyway?

    July 12, 2023 / No Comments

    We humans are a curious bunch, aren’t we? We’re the only species that collects things for fun. You don’t see squirrels hoarding nuts because they have a limited edition pine nut from the rare Pyrenean pine tree. So, what’s the deal? Why are we so obsessed with gathering stuff? Let’s dive into the complex psychological reasons behind this fascinating behavior. Control and Ownership: Our Personal Mini-Universes: A primary factor that motivates people to collect is the desire for control and ownership. Collecting allows individuals to impose order on a chaotic world, categorizing and organizing items into a defined set. A collection becomes a personal domain where the collector has ultimate…

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    Paula Diaz

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    The Fascination of Native American Masks: Unraveling History, Artistry, and Cultural Wisdom

    July 13, 2023

    “Echoes of the Lost: The Kogui Masks’ Journey from Sierra Nevada to Berlin” V.1

    July 26, 2023

    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025
  • Discover & Learn,  History

    Where did it all begin?

    April 10, 2022 / No Comments

    Since the earliest times, human beings have struggled untiringly for their survival on earth, managing to adapt and evolve according to their environment and the challenges that it brings. Added to this, the acquisition of consciousness and the perception of reality made them not only have recognition of themself but of other species such as animals and plants and it is there where for different reasons, they begin to seek the personification or transformation of their own appearance. The word “mask” etymologically speaking could have several meanings: “mask” originates from the French masque or maschera in Italian or másquera from Spanish. The possible ancestors in Latin are mascus, masca =…

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    Paula Diaz

    You May Also Like

    The Fascination of Native American Masks: Unraveling History, Artistry, and Cultural Wisdom

    July 13, 2023

    “Unmasking the ‘Evil’ Behind the Mask: A Exploration into our Fear of the Covered Face”

    July 17, 2023

    Guatemalan Masks: A Vibrant Exception to Artificial Aging

    August 1, 2023
12


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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