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  • Africa

    Have you seen this?

    March 2, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Does anyone know anything about this mask? It’s brass or bronze with an old patina and appears to have been worn over some kind of cloth headdress. Its believed to have come from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso and was bought from a “runner” about twenty-five years ago. It’s about 9 1/2 inches high. Any information will be greatly appreciated.  Gary, 751 A:  A week ago this was posted on the Yahoo discussion group, African_Arts. It was promptly answered with “It is a Lobi Headdress.”

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    Bob Ibold

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    Beautiful Yaure mask from Africa

    October 21, 2017

    Maybe old and used

    July 2, 2014

    African bird mask of questionable value

    September 16, 2020
  • Africa

    Bete war mask

    March 2, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I bought this mask at the Tucson Gem Show African Pavilion about 7 years ago. I don’t remember where it came from, or if I was ever told. I think I paid $140.00 for it.  It is one of three of my favorite masks.  Ira, 750 A:  It doesn’t matter a whole lot what it is or how much you paid, if you really like it.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Primitive mask from the Congo

    November 23, 2015

    Authentic Chokwe pig mask

    February 10, 2018

    Ogoni or Ibibio mystery mask

    July 17, 2020
  • Guatemala

    Fun Guatemalan mask

    February 28, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Hi Bob, Jim Walker here. Just picked up a mask. I think it might be Mexican. What do you think about the edge wear?  Jim, 749 A:  The edge wear and rear inside do suggest age. But where are the strap holes? How would you keep it on your face? Authentic or not, this item is pretty cute. As an artist, I would enjoy having it on my wall. It is a quickly made Indian mask from Guatemala. The character is wearing a feathered headdress.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Authentic Guatemalan mask in excellent condition

    July 31, 2020

    Refurbished cowboy mask from Guatemala

    November 19, 2019

    Mask of Chief Humming Bird

    November 19, 2015
  • Misc

    Mask of the future

    February 27, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I am a member of the Carapace Project’s team. We create customized masks using 3d body scanning technique and high-quality 3d printers. Your work and your website represent a source of inspiration for us and makes me feel you are one of those people who would like to see what “the mask from the future” looks like. So, we would like to introduce you our new collection, Carapace.  Fabrizio, 748 A:  This is pretty cool stuff.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Rare animal mask from Panama

    December 23, 2019

    Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

    January 2, 2019

    Deer Skull Masks Made 11,000 Years Ago

    August 14, 2019
  • Mexico

    Battle of the Tigres

    February 27, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q: This is a mask I got in Guerrero, Mexico some years ago.  I believe it is “vintage,” because I don’t think they make them out of leather anymore.  I was told it’s a jaguar for a jaguar dance.  It’s leather that has been colored in a dark turquoise color, has mirrors for eyes, and projecting whiskers (not sure whether they are organic hair or synthetic) – aprox 6 in. tall.  Deborah, 747 A:  Called a Tigre mask all over Mexico, this one is from Zitlala, Guerro, where they have a special celebration in May where gangs from different barrios in town put on these heavy leather helmets and fight…

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    Bob Ibold

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    A different kind of devil

    September 25, 2014

    Black-faced mask from Mexico

    July 21, 2015

    New Tarahumara mask

    August 9, 2016
  • East Asia

    Cute Japanese party mask

    February 25, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Could you please tell me what you can about these two papier mache masks- country of origin, age, purpose? One looks like an animal, possibly a fox, the other appears to be possibly a human caricature. I bought them together at a flea market last year and they look like they are from same maker. Thanks,  Sal, 746 A:  I believe this is an inexpensive mask made for ordinary people in Japan.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Japanese Namahage mask

    March 16, 2019

    A little about age

    September 6, 2014

    Noh mask from Japan

    October 17, 2018
  • Caribbean

    Big mask from Puerto Rico

    February 21, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  I have inherited one large signed Caraballo and two small Caraballo, Jr. Vejigante masks.  The father’s mask is dated 1986 and the 2 by Jr. are dated 1987.  I am in the market to sell them and I have detailed pictures which I can forward if you give me an email address.  Robert, 745 A:  This is a parade-size Vejigante made by Miguel Caraballo of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Masks of the World Presents: The Authentic Boruca Collection!

    September 22, 2023

    4 Jamaican Jonkonnu dancers

    March 11, 2018

    Brunca Devil mask

    June 5, 2014
  • Africa

    The Barnes is a trip

    February 19, 2015 / No Comments

    Yesterday I took the train to downtown Philadelphia and got my first look at the famous Barnes Foundation in its new building. What a treat that was! In case you don’t know about it, the Barnes is the only museum in the world that displays African traditional art along with French Impressionism and other modern art… side by side!  See for yourself at www.barnesfoundation.org In their office area I saw a recently made paper mask on the wall and asked about it.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Mumuye or Mambila animal mask

    November 7, 2016

    Male version of Chi Wara headdress

    June 30, 2017

    Baule mask from West Africa

    September 22, 2018
  • India & Himalayas

    Primitive mask from the Himalayas

    February 17, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Mask with crude carving, 24.5 x 15 cm, with darkened surface, I do not know what kind of wood. I bought this mask from a man who had bought in Nepal many years ago. I was told this was a Tamang dance mask from Nepal. I would like to have your opinion on its origin, authenticity and age. It would also be very interesting to know more about its symbolic meaning and use. A:  The Tamang, one of several ethnic groups living in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, practice Tibetan Buddhism and are known to produce primitive looking masks such as this for use in shamanistic rituals.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Masks from India or the Himalayas

    May 16, 2015

    Old man mask from NE India

    June 27, 2020

    Photo of Ganesha in use

    June 30, 2020
  • Africa

    African art show in Bloomington, IN

    February 12, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  We’re hosting a special exhibition called “Visions from the Forests: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone” at the Indiana University Art Museum. The centerpiece of the exhibition is over 30 different masks. I was doing a little web research, and came across your site, and thought you might find this exhibition interesting.  It opens March 7, and will continue to the High Museum in Atlanta afterwards. It has previously been on view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Smithsonian.

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    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Strange but real

    April 7, 2014

    African Lulua mask with holes

    December 31, 2018

    Baule Ram Mask

    March 12, 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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