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  • South America

    World traveling mask

    August 31, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I have a second mask if you would like to see it. I got them from my uncle some years ago. He got the 2 of them in Russia about 25 years ago, though I’m sure they are much older than that. I assume they are of Germanic origin but really don’t know. Any info you can provide would be great. Thanks.  Josh, 676 A:  Foreign folk art often turns up thousands of miles from where it was made.

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    Bob Ibold

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    South American Indian mask

    February 24, 2019

    Tikuna Animal Mask

    June 21, 2021

    Amazon Indian dance mask

    December 30, 2020
  • South America

    A very toothy grin

    August 7, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Appreciate your opinion. Would this mask be Tlingit?  Jack, 668 A:  No.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Kobeua Indian body mask from Amazon

    August 10, 2018

    Pre-Columbian masks & statues

    November 26, 2019

    Chilean Indian mask

    August 19, 2018
  • South America

    Black face mask

    March 30, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q: I am looking to identify these masks. There are three that are made in the same style but with different facial features. The paint is the same on all, making me think they are for the tourist market, I am just not sure where. One has large lips and two have large noses of different styles. I have a few African masks and other tribal art. I inherited these three from my father and am unsure of their origin. Can you help? Thanks so much for your time. I have googled and the closest I think I have found is Sri Lanka, but I may be far off. I…

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    Bob Ibold

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    South American Indian mask

    February 24, 2019

    Metal monkey mask from Bolivia

    May 26, 2019

    PreColumbian clay mask, maybe

    January 9, 2017
  • South America

    Always go for quality

    March 21, 2014 / 3 Comments

    Q: I just discovered this mask (have not bought it) and have no idea what it is.  The seller doesn’t either.  It bears some superficial resemblances to some forms of Bulgarian Kuker masks, but I’ve never seen one in leather like this.  It might be an American folk mask for all I know.  What do you think?  Aaron, 623 A: I hope you buy it. It is the work of a talented artist, probably European.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Is this a Brazilian mask?

    September 7, 2018

    Piaroa-Huarime character mask

    March 11, 2021

    Sheet metal Devil mask

    June 5, 2017
  • South America

    Classic mask from the Amazon

    January 6, 2014 / 2 Comments

    I thought you might enjoy seeing the masks I’ve acquired since we last talked. The Wayana mask was hard to find, and I’m being rewarded now with dried leaf flakes scattered all over my house.  In the meantime, I’ve been editing my photos from Thailand and Cambodia, which include some amazing antique Khon masks from the National Museum in Bangkok and the Royal Palace and National Museum in Phnom Penh.  I’ll show you those when they’re ready – nothing being produced today even comes close to those old ones.  Aaron, 601 A: I love being kept up to date on your acquisitions.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Wapuri mask from Bolivia

    June 9, 2020

    Kobeua Indian body mask from Amazon

    August 10, 2018

    Piaroa-Huarime character mask

    March 11, 2021
  • South America

    This guy has quite a nose

    November 16, 2013 / 2 Comments

    My characterization of the Peruvian mask as a Wapuri is just a guess. “Wapuri” is a character in the Bolivian Kullawada dance, which refers to a long-nosed European character. I am assuming that the Peruvian version is just a little different, but is used for similar purposes in similar dances.  I could be wrong.  Aaron, 583 A: I think you are correct.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Piaroa-Huarime character mask

    March 11, 2021

    Art from the Amazon jungles

    September 15, 2013

    Indian mask from SE Brazil

    February 9, 2017
  • South America

    Rich masquerade in the Andes

    November 3, 2013 / 3 Comments

    Q: I would really appreciate your help identifying the mystery mask and costume.  I bought these for $100 total from a guy who said they were from Peru.  The back is as fancy as the front.  I see some Ecuadorian (Diablo Umo-type) characteristics here, but I admit this thing is a total mystery to me.  Nothing I’ve seen or read about remotely resembles it.  Any ideas?  Aaron, 578 A: Peru sounds right to me.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Great folk art carving

    September 19, 2015

    Amazon Indian spirit mask

    February 21, 2016

    Sheet metal Devil mask

    June 5, 2017
  • South America

    Art from the Amazon jungles

    September 15, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: I visited the Canaima area of Venezuela in March 1991 and not far from the airstrip I bought the attached mask in a small village. I was told it was a monkey spirit mask and was used for a ‘wedding type ceremony’ by the Pemon Indians. This was one of two masks (the other being a real monkey skull) made of reed covered in a plaster, straw hair and real monkey teeth.The mask looked used when purchased.  Paul, 458 A: That is a handsome piece, and a bit different from the similarly constructed masks of the nearby Piaroa-Huarime people.

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    Bob Ibold

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    This guy has quite a nose

    November 16, 2013

    3 more Tukuma masks from Amazon

    November 7, 2019

    Woven Indian mask from Panama

    February 23, 2020
567


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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