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  • East Asia

    Iban mask from Borneo

    February 11, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  Hi, again– This is a mask collected by my elderly friend from an Iban area of Sarawak.  I love it (especially the cigarette foil teeth!), and I would really like to be able to tell her more about it.  Do you know what the use for such a mask might be?  Thanks again for your help!  Sarah, 741 A:  I usually don’t post two mystery masks from the same person, at least not in the same month. (Sarah’s other one is 738.)

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    Bob Ibold

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    Large, long-nosed Tengu mask

    October 24, 2020

    Angry old Japanese man

    April 9, 2019

    Popular Japanese mask

    February 19, 2018
  • Africa

    Nice Senufo Kpelie mask

    February 8, 2015 / No Comments

    Q:  This is a mask I acquired at an estate sale, the owner of which appeared to be a mask collector. I was told that it is from Africa and that it is old but no other details. The mask is made out of wood which appears to have some age on it. It measures about 14″ long and 7″ wide. I would appreciate your insight as to the more specific origin and purpose/symbolism of this piece. The mouth of the mask particularly got me interested as to why it was designed that way. Very curious about your opinion of this piece!  Yuriy, 74 A: Your mask is called a…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Sogo Bo rod puppet head from Mali

    March 16, 2017

    A woman’s mask from West Africa

    April 7, 2017

    Chokwe Pwo mask of Angola or DRC

    December 12, 2018
  • Africa

    Authentic, used African mask

    February 8, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I have three masks that my Mom got when working in the Ivory Coast in the 1960’s. I will submit the more outstanding one, the horned and somewhat furry mask. The masks are made out of wood. Do you happen to have more info on this type of mask?   Tatjana, 739 A:  I’m not a expert on African masks, but the three sharp photos you sent suggest the mask may have been used in culture for celebration or ritual.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Beautiful religious artifact

    September 24, 2013

    Cheap tourist mask from Africa

    February 23, 2019

    Kuba Bwoom mask from the DRC

    May 19, 2018
  • Misc

    Help Wanted

    February 7, 2015 / No Comments

    As usual, the Mask Man has posted answers that aren’t much help to the poor people who sent him pics of their Mystery Mask. I receive several requests per day and I answer all of them, but only post the most interesting ones. Some of those are mysteries to me as well. I need you to write back with a comment. Even a guess would be of some help!

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    Bob Ibold

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    Strange art mask

    December 12, 2014

    Old, wood Green Man mask

    December 20, 2017

    The famous Guy Fawkes mask

    August 4, 2017
  • East Asia

    Little Borneo mask

    February 7, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I’m doing some research for an elderly friend on some masks she bought in Southeast Asia in the early 1980s. She was particularly interested in the Iban people of Borneo. Some of the masks are quite nice, but this one and another like it, confuse me.  They’re both about 24x15x10cm and seem to be carved of ironwood. The weight and the fact that neither have eye or mouth holes make me wonder if they were ever designed for use.  Thanks so much for your advice!  Sarah, 738 A: I like the way this mask looks, but I can’t pin it down to a particular culture because it is unfamiliar.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A charming old carving

    October 20, 2014

    New Guinea mask

    December 27, 2014

    Woman character in Noh theater

    February 12, 2018
  • Oceania

    African woven mask or PNG?

    February 7, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I purchased this basket-woven mask this week at an estate auction in Plainfield, NH, and have no idea of where it is from or its history. Any ideas?  Karen, 737 A: At first your woven mask reminded my of a yam ceremony mask from Papua New Guinea, but the structure of the rear looks more like something from central Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A popular god in Asia

    November 10, 2013

    Papua New Guinea mask

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    Batak mask from Sumatra

    February 25, 2018
  • South America

    Mexico or Ecuador?

    February 4, 2015 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I purchased this mask at an arts and crafts fair here in Mexico City. I believe it is originally from the state of Michoacan, but it could be from Guerrero or Oaxaca. I am most interested in masks related to devils or death. I attempt to obtain mask that are “bailadas” which means masks that have been used in some sort of festivity or ritual.  Carlos, 736 A: Thanks for explaining the types of masks that interest you most. I’d love to see more of them.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Old Bolivian funeral mask

    August 2, 2016

    Piaroa-Huarime character mask

    March 11, 2021

    Mama Negra mask from Ecuador

    May 21, 2019
  • Africa

    Small West African mask

    January 29, 2015 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Could you please help identify this clay and raffia mask? It measures 15″ including the beard. Thanks very much!  Karen, 735 A: Could be from the Guro people of Ivory Coast. I think it shows well, with beautiful colors and a patina that seems old and used. But it is a little small and is made out of clay rather than wood. 

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    Bob Ibold

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    Beautiful mask from the Congo

    December 21, 2013

    Ogoni mask with hinged jaw

    June 19, 2019

    African mask with moving mouth

    June 24, 2015
  • Misc

    Little trio of masks

    January 28, 2015 / 4 Comments

    Q:  In discussion with a friend, I took a picture of some of the masks on the wall. We were discussing the different origins of Carnival masks.  One looks like the Guy Fawkes mask… I think the other a Venice mask?  I came across your site, as we were trying to research. I unfortunately do not have detailed and separate photos. I know they are for fun and decorations, but if you could help identify where these masks are from, I would be very grateful. If not, I understand.  Ruhi, 734 A:  Seeing your photo of three store-bought plastic masks intrigued me.

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    Bob Ibold

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    World’s oldest masks displayed

    October 12, 2016

    Handheld home-made mask

    February 28, 2018

    Ku Klux Klan mask/hood

    February 19, 2019
  • Native America

    Northwest Coast mask repro

    January 23, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: Here are photos of some masks I have picked up in the last 8 months. What do you think about the bird one?  Jim, 733 A: The masks you sent all look old and used, but whether they are or not remains to be seen. Interest in collecting NWC masks goes back to the late 19th century. Indians started making masks for sale to tourists way before 1900 and have been doing so ever since.

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    Bob Ibold

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    NWC Indian mask

    February 6, 2016

    Hopi masks returning to America

    January 19, 2015

    Carved wood Arctic mask

    September 27, 2016
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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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