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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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    The best Noh masks are carved wood

    August 21, 2013

    Chinese character mask

    June 13, 2018

    Little Borneo mask

    February 7, 2015
  • 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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    Bete war mask

    March 2, 2015

    Well-known African mask

    December 18, 2014

    Bozo puppet headpiece from Mali

    March 12, 2020
  • 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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    Classic mask from the Grasslands

    July 25, 2016

    I recognize the style but not the character

    February 11, 2014

    Unusual African fish mask

    October 13, 2016
  • 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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    Simple Gelede mask from Nigeria

    January 13, 2016

    Mwano Pwo mask

    December 27, 2014

    Chewa mask from Malawi, Africa

    April 9, 2018
  • 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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    Huge Korean lion mask

    June 22, 2019

    Japanese Namahage mask

    March 16, 2019

    Rare Phi Ta Khon from rural Thailand

    January 11, 2016
  • 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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    The Mask Man needs help

    September 10, 2016

    Bete war mask

    March 2, 2015

    White-faced African with little beak

    December 28, 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

    Native American Octopus mask

    October 19, 2017

    3 masks from Greenland

    June 17, 2017
  • 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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    African mask with no mouth

    January 7, 2016

    African iron mask

    February 25, 2017

    African owl mask with handle

    April 28, 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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    Demon mask from the Himalayas

    March 8, 2017

    Lovely piece of PNG art

    March 17, 2016

    There’s an Easter surprise in the Philippines.

    March 28, 2017
  • 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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    Flums Carnival Mask

    October 9, 2017

    Busos scare away Winter in Hungary.

    March 28, 2017

    Interesting Sardinian mask

    January 2, 2015
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Quiz - Test Your Mask Knowledge

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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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