• 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

    Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

    January 2, 2019

    Praise for the new book, Masks of the World

    December 5, 2015

    Tribal deformity and sickness masks

    November 20, 2018
  • 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

    Another mask for Muslim women

    June 29, 2018

    Anubis, God of Embalming

    December 18, 2020

    Topeng Theater of Java: Where Wood Comes to Life

    May 5, 2025
  • 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

    Prehistoric clay masks

    May 6, 2018

    Rare animal mask from Panama

    December 23, 2019

    Yakut iron mask

    April 8, 2016
  • 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

    The art of Paolo del Toro

    January 18, 2018

    Prehistoric clay masks

    May 6, 2018

    Another mask I need help with

    June 25, 2019
  • 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

    Dayak mask from Borneo

    July 22, 2020

    Repros of ancient masks

    June 2, 2020

    Masks as art

    January 3, 2015
  • 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

    Masks as art

    January 3, 2015

    Unknown Mask: Latin American?

    March 10, 2025
  • 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

    Should you buy this mask?

    November 2, 2018

    Mexican hummingbird mask

    June 22, 2020

    Repros of ancient masks

    June 2, 2020
  • 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

    Mexican hummingbird mask

    June 22, 2020

    Horse bog shoe

    June 3, 2017

    Part 2: A Closer Look at the Masks of the Bolivian Museum of Ethnography and Folklore’s

    March 6, 2025
  • 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

    The famous Guy Fawkes mask

    August 4, 2017

    Latest mystery mask

    September 20, 2020

    The masks of India

    May 5, 2019
  • 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

    We-Guere Mask from Africa

    October 24, 2018

    Deformity masks in other cultures

    July 22, 2017

    Ancient Egyptian wood mask

    May 17, 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 ©