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  • East Asia

    Hawaiian warrior’s mask

    June 9, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q: The Hawaiian mask and rattle are a rare find, although obviously made in the last few years.  I’ve been to Hawaii many times and never seen an authentic gourd war mask for sale.  Aaron, 791 A:  We are fortunate that Aaron shares his recent mask purchases with us. This is a very realistic reproduction of a Polynesian warrior’s helmet mask made out of gourd.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Could be controversial

    December 14, 2014

    The best Noh masks are carved wood

    August 21, 2013

    Chinese decorative art

    July 10, 2017
  • Africa

    Female Kifwebe mask from the Songye

    June 8, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I found this with a collection of 30 or so other masks at a yard sale. The seller said they were “very old” and had come from Sudan. Some of the other masks have a distinct smoke odor (but not this mask). Measures approximately 16.5″ x 13″ x 7″   Rebecca, 790 A:  The grooved pattern on the face of the mask is a common characteristic of a female Kifwebe mask from the Songye tribe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Mbunda wise, old man mask

    October 11, 2020

    African Lega mask with sparkles

    March 12, 2017

    Baga snake headdresses from Guinea Bassau

    July 27, 2019
  • Africa

    Maiden Spirit mask from the Igbo

    June 8, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I collect masks from countries I visit and have a small collection of 9 at the moment (and hopefully growing). However, my Nan volunteers at a British Heart Foundation shop and had a wooden mask bought in and has got it for me. I usually like to know where the masks are from. Would there be any way for me to find out where this one is from?  Sophie, 789 A:  That’s what we’re here for. Learning about the mask increases the pleasure of collecting.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Babanki elephant mask from Cameroon

    May 27, 2020

    Decorative masks can be fun

    February 7, 2016

    A favorite type of African mask

    September 25, 2014
  • Africa

    Lipiko mask from the Makonde

    June 3, 2015 / No Comments

    The famous Lipiko mask from the Makonde people projects a kind of stylized realism that is unique in African masks. This is a plain one without scarification or applied hair, but with an especially strong and well executed form. From a purely sculptural standpoint, it doesn’t get much better than this. The mask, which slips completely over the dancers head and rests on the shoulders, is about 12 inches deep.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Hard to identify West African

    November 11, 2013

    Kuba Bwoom mask from the DRC

    May 19, 2018

    Contemporary mask from Africa’s DRC

    September 17, 2019
  • East Asia

    Especially colorful Hanhoe mask

    June 3, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  This Asian mask was given to me by a student about 15 years ago. She was Japanese-Korean and the bride of a Vietnamese soldier.  That is about all I know. I am moving to Hawaii this Fall and am trying to downsize.  Thank you for your assistance.  Janis, 787  A:  This is a Hanhoe mask from the Gyeongsangbuk province of South Korea.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Japan’s magnificent Noh masks

    July 23, 2020

    Korean masks stand out

    January 4, 2016

    Thai Hanneman mask

    August 20, 2020
  • Africa

    Mbuya mask from the DRC

    June 1, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I just acquired this mask at an estate sale. It is made of very lightweight wood and appears to be quite old. There is also a kind of fabric made from woven grass attached to the top and lower parts of the mask. The mask measures 11″ x 11″ (including fabric) or 7″ x 7″ (wooden part only) with a 5.5″ depth. Any information you can provide would be much appreciated.  Simon, 786 A:  The Pende are an important culture that has produced a wide range of masks and other sculptures.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Decorative tribal-style mask from Africa

    February 20, 2020

    Pair of Chi Waras from Mali

    November 15, 2018

    Mumuye or Mambila animal mask

    November 7, 2016
  • Native America

    NWC raven mask, sort of

    May 29, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I have always been interested in African masks but thought this may be a Haida or Tlingit raven mask. I’m just guessing. Is it old or a reproduction? There is a name written inside. I’m not sure but it looks like “Rovea Tona.”  Emily, 785 A:  It is a reproduction of a Northwest Coast Indian raven mask as you said, but serious collectors prefer the masks made by Native American carvers.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Eskimo hunter’s mask

    October 12, 2020

    Authentic Tlingit ceremonial mask

    July 3, 2015

    Cherokee booger mask

    December 15, 2016
  • Africa

    Souvenirs vs. Traditional Art

    May 28, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Another mask I found recently. I don’t know anything about it other than it is sand cast metal, I believe.  Dee, 784 A:  You can see a similar African mask that I posted Feb 8. Your mask is also called a Kpelie and comes from the Senufo people of Ivory Coast. These refined face masks represent women, are danced by men, and are usually associated with the Poro association. Called Beautiful Lady or Kpelie, they come with many variations, with rich and complex symbolism. At that time I went on to say, “Yours is especially nice. It’s designed very well and is carefully carved.”

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    Bob Ibold

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    Chokwe Pwo mask from Central Africa

    March 5, 2020

    Tourist junk can be desirable

    December 30, 2013

    Large headdress from Sierra Leone

    May 7, 2017
  • Oceania

    Excellent mask from New Guinea

    May 24, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I just bought this at auction but know nothing about it. Any ideas about it would be appreciated. I’m interested in starting a small collection of masks.  Steve, 783 A:  This would be an excellent start to a collection. It is a very well made example of an ancestor mask from the Lower Sepic River area of Papua New Guinea.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Sumatran helmet mask

    February 3, 2018

    Excellent example of PNG art

    July 14, 2014

    Mask from Sepik River, PNG

    January 25, 2016
  • Europe

    Venetian bird mask

    May 21, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Sometimes I’ll show a mask I used to own because they represent cultures we don’t see much on the Mystery Mask blog. Call it a change of pace. This one is European, a classic carnival mask made of papier mache from Venice . Signed by the artist “Barbare” on the rear. An almost identical mask is illustrated in the book, “Masks from Around the World.” This one is a used mask with quite a few chips in the paint and some large repairs. I suspect the wearer may have fallen down a few times.  In my opinion, the repairs make for a good story and do not distract much from…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Tschaggatta mask from Swiss Alps

    January 18, 2020

    It’s Krampus time in Austria

    December 15, 2016

    Busos scare away Winter in Hungary.

    March 28, 2017
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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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