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  • Mexico

    Authentic or decorative– both can be desireable

    September 27, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I got this big chicken in Mexico many years ago. Its 30 inches tall and 9 wide. Thanks for any info you might have.  Jerry, 557 A: Decorative masks are not only made for the tourist trade in Mexico,

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    Bob Ibold

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    Hard to identify Mexican mask

    January 29, 2017

    Yaqui and Mayo Pascola masks

    April 14, 2017

    Embark on a Mask-terful Journey: Oaxaca, the Ultimate Starting Point for Aspiring Mask Collectors!

    May 2, 2022
  • Mexico

    Far out Mexican decorative

    September 11, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: Today I purchased this mask and I need help to figure out the origin. The human bird like character reminds me of Mark Chagall and his mythical naïve world. Technical elements: carved wood, with fabric on top and painted plaster.  Can you tell me your opinion about this item?  Adrian, 546 A: This little guy is what collectors of Mexican masks call a decorative. You can see some of them at the bottom of my Mexico page.

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    Bob Ibold

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    All of Mexico goes nuts at Carnaval Time

    March 28, 2017

    Tigre mask from Olinala, Mexico

    August 19, 2019

    Gypsy mask from Tlaxcala

    April 9, 2016
  • Mexico

    Wish I knew more about this Mexican

    August 10, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: Sticker says Oaxaca, but the Oaxacan masks I have seen are very brightly colored.  It also has three strips of what appears to be embossed snake skin.  Stephanie, 527 A:  I’ve seen masks like this before, but

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    Bob Ibold

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    Fancy Mexican mask

    December 12, 2017

    Death mask of Pakal the Great

    March 18, 2019

    Very old mask? Maybe.

    March 3, 2015
  • Mexico

    Day of the Dead usually means decorative

    August 9, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: I was told this is a Mexican Day of the Dead mask. The rarity, quality and looks have me stumped.  Nathan, 524 A:  It’s a Guerrero-type face with horns and decoration more common to other states.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A swinger from South of the border

    September 24, 2016

    Our enemy, the powder post beetle

    December 15, 2013

    Hard to identify Mexican mask

    January 29, 2017
  • Mexico

    What about this very old mask I inherited?

    July 16, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I was curious about this mask. It is made from wood and measures 10 1/2″. This was part of my dad’s collection, he traveled the world and was an antique dealer, unfortunately he passed away and I have recently been going through his stuff. The mask is in rough condition it has cracked and is missing an ear. Any information would be much appreciated.  Caroline   519 A:  Certainly an old and used mask from a small Mexican village. Otherwise,

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    Bob Ibold

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    All of Mexico goes nuts at Carnaval Time

    March 28, 2017

    Mystery mask from Oaxaca

    August 22, 2020

    You can collect decoratives

    November 21, 2020
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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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