• Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • About
  • Contact
Masks of the World

  • Home
  • Blog Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • Masks
  • Blog About
  • Home
  • Blog Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • Masks
  • Blog About
  • Misc
    October 25, 2020 / No Comments

    Q: I found this mask years ago, but always wonder it’s value and it’s authenticity. Sukelly, 1785 A: And well you should. It is from the undiscovered tribal areas of Papua New Guinea. We can tell because metal tools were not used to carve the mask. The large areas of the Sepic River area were only beginning to be discovered by white men in the early days of the 20th century… there were still a few undiscovered tribes in 2000! This artifact is authentic. It was probably hung on the outside of the owners hut or the inside of a meeting house, and represents the spirit of an important ancestor.…

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Wig maker’s head on stand

    July 18, 2020

    Introducing… Masks of the World

    November 28, 2015

    Repros of ancient masks

    June 2, 2020
  • Misc

    Red Mystery mask

    October 15, 2020 / No Comments

    Q: Hello, I inherited this mask. I have posted it in an African art group but no one seemed to have any info for me. Kyle, 1779 A: This may not be African. It looks old, used in culture many times, perhaps in different colors and repainted. It appears to be authentic to me, of course, I could be wrong. Please give us you comment.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Mexican decorative masks, collectible or not?

    December 6, 2018

    Bryan Stevens, 1944-2020

    April 18, 2020

    Horse bog shoe

    June 3, 2017
  • Misc

    Primitive Tribal Masks 101

    September 25, 2020 / No Comments

    Q: I would like to know more about this mask. Is it authentic and if it is, where does it come from? Value? Thanks, Renske, 1768 A: Our nice looking mask is about as primitive as it can get. I have seen authentic carvings like this from Africa, the Himalayans, and the South Pacific. Unfortunately, ours was made to sell to tourist. Just where is anybody’s guess. So forget about buying a motorcycle. The good news is, this down-to-earth wall-sculpture can be enjoyed by all. And maybe one of our viewers will recognize something I missed. C    

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Building a good collection is hard

    January 31, 2018

    Little trio of masks

    January 28, 2015

    Unknown Mask: Latin American?

    March 10, 2025
  • Misc

    Latest mystery mask

    September 20, 2020 / 3 Comments

    Q: I just wish to know the origin of this mask. Thank you. Jean, 1766 A: Glad you sent this in. I’ve been seeing similar masks for a few years now. But I can’t find out where they are coming from. Whether it is an authentic artifact, or something made for commerce must be determined by others. African or Asian? Perhaps one of our viewers will have a comment. Please help us. Jean is an exert on Guatemalan masks, and I’m supposed to be the world famous Mask Man!

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Mardi Gras goes back to 1699.

    March 28, 2017

    Anubis, God of Embalming

    December 18, 2020

    Introducing… Masks of the World

    November 28, 2015
  • Misc

    Large mask or sculpture

    September 11, 2020 / 1 Comment

    Q: Just wondering if anyone can tell me about this mask. It probably weighs 45 lbs. Three feet tall by 1.9 wide, 7 inches deep, it’s huge! Gary, 1761 A: The look of your huge “mask” is a little confusing. It could be a sculpture made for a specific reason, or a big mask held by hand. Whether it is an authentic artifact, or something made for commerce must be determined by others. African or Asian? Perhaps one of our viewers will have a comment. All I can say is that it is very decorative and will display well.        

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Lost in Translation: Why Your African Mask Isn’t Phoning Home

    August 31, 2023

    Mexican decorative masks, collectible or not?

    December 6, 2018

    Real masks vs. decorative carvings

    May 7, 2018
  • Misc

    More pandemic face masks

    August 26, 2020 / No Comments

    COVID19 continues to lower the number of mystery masks we receive here at MasksoftheWorld.com. Hopefully a few more of these crazy face masks will brighten your day a little. Bob, 1755

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Ancient Greek theater mask

    February 15, 2018

    Anne Frank portrait mask

    January 7, 2017

    Prehistoric clay masks

    May 6, 2018
  • Misc

    Dayak mask from Borneo

    July 22, 2020 / No Comments

    This ceremonial mask comes from the Dayak Kenya-Kayan people who live in Borneo, Indonesia. It is carved wood with natural pigment color and is probably from the late 19th century. Previously in a French collection, it has an old tag that reads “Meyer Collection 0084.” How good that provenance is remains to be seen. It is probably of high value. Try to a find Dayak mask that is similar in appearance. If it is a well made reproduction you might be able to get it for an affordable price. There are still opportunities on the internet. A, 1738

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Muslim masks

    May 18, 2019

    Big NWC Indian mask

    October 3, 2018

    The famous Guy Fawkes mask

    August 4, 2017
  • Misc

    Wig maker’s head on stand

    July 18, 2020 / No Comments

    The Mask Man has been isolated in his house away from the corona virus for too long. I think I am going crazy. What I’m showing you today is a solid wood carving of a bald woman’s head on a steel stand. Years ago the maker would use it to craft a wig… and/or display to customers. If I was younger and had more space, I would buy a wood head like this and display it in my house as sculpture. Occasionally it would be fun to put one of my many masks on her face. Would this amuse visitors? Back to masks tomorrow. Bob, 1735

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Decorative art– not masks

    March 27, 2019

    Mask of the future

    February 27, 2015

    Another mask I need help with

    June 25, 2019
  • Misc

    Focus your collecting on something special

    June 28, 2020 / 1 Comment

    Q: Your website is a great resource for anyone interested in masking. It actually is the main reason why I began being interested in carving traditional Central Swiss masks. It is also the reason why I began collecting specifically Swiss masks. It taught me a lot of things, most of all also that it is not necessarily useful to collect masks from all over the world. Specializing will yield a much more in-depth and high-quality collection and will make you an expert over time in that area, which is much more fun in the end than having the house filled with any masks you stumble over. Chris, 1724 A: Thanks…

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Prehistoric clay masks

    May 6, 2018

    Topeng prime minister from Bali

    April 30, 2019

    Rare stingray mask?

    February 26, 2021
  • Misc

    Mexican hummingbird mask

    June 22, 2020 / No Comments

    The first carved wood mask is 8″ high x 5.2″ wide x 12.8″ deep, and made in Carpinteros, Hidalgo, Eastern Mexico. The second one is photographed from three angles and is also made by the same Otomi people in that area. The first mask is new and the second one has been used. These go along with beautiful costumes and are very popular. I’m sorry but all the the scans are low resolution. Bob, 1718/>

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Another mask I need help with

    June 25, 2019

    Introducing… Masks of the World

    November 28, 2015

    We-Guere Mask from Africa

    October 24, 2018
1234


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.

Archives

Masks of the World - 2025 ©