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  • Bali & Java

    Javanese masks

    January 2, 2015 / No Comments

    Q: I have two similar, but different  red Topeng masks that look to be authentic, used, ethnographic items. Are they the same character? It seems as if they might be, but if so, why the differences? Is it due to their disparities in age or from the original locations? Thanks, Nate, 722 A: The Mystery Mask blog is restricted to one mask per person, but I will make an exception with these two.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Javanese tourist mask

    February 16, 2018

    Comedy character from Java

    November 3, 2015

    Character mask from rural Java

    December 4, 2019
  • Africa

    Happy New Year

    December 30, 2014 / No Comments

    This charming photo by Phyllis Galembo is called Four Children in Fancy Dress. It shows a Nobles Masquerade Group from Winneba, Ghana, taken in 2009. It comes from Maske, a book by the photographer that shows all sorts of African masks and costumes. You should treat yourself to this beautiful book. It is in print and not expensive. Best wishes to all,  Bob, 721

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    Bob Ibold

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    Spectacular Igbo mask from Africa

    August 18, 2018

    African mask missing its jaw

    November 21, 2018

    Baule mask from West Africa

    September 22, 2018
  • Caribbean

    Boruca mask in need of fix up

    December 27, 2014 / 10 Comments

    Q:  Another mask found in a flea market– really well carved and sanded, unpainted, with eyes holes, so it could be worn, though uncomfortably as there is no place for nose. Just curious about its provenance. Looks Native American to me. The wood is tight grained and a soft brown color. I am stumped. Can you help?  Paule, 720 A:  This is a Devil mask from the Boruca (Borunca, Brunka), a small culture located in southwestern Costa Rica.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Junkanoo mask from the Bahamas

    July 23, 2018

    Haitian masks of wood, metal

    August 29, 2018

    Big mask from Puerto Rico

    February 21, 2015
  • Africa

    Mwano Pwo mask

    December 27, 2014 / No Comments

    Both Lwena and the nearby Chokwe people of southern Democratic Republic of Congo use this type of mask. It represents the ideal female beauty, Mwano Pwo, and is danced with male counterparts, Chihongo, during initiation ceremonies and other important occasions to bring fertility and prosperity to the village. Most share the depiction of facial scarification patterns, filed teeth, fanciful and inventive hair styles. Despite the mask’s appearance and excellent quality of carving, it was probably made to be sold. This is good news because it means you can afford something just like it for your collection.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Lipiko mask from East Africa

    February 24, 2018

    It certainly is African

    January 1, 2014

    The Songye Kifwebe mask

    February 17, 2016
  • East Asia

    New Guinea mask

    December 27, 2014 / 3 Comments

    Q:  I’m interested in selling this. I inherited this mask many years ago and never displayed it.  I was told it was from Sepik River, New Giunea, with an origin date of 1800’s to early 1900’s. Let me know.  Thanks, David, 718 A:  Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea is the correct location for the location of its manufacture, but the accuracy of the origin date is very unlikely.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Chinese decorative art

    July 10, 2017

    Exorcising mask from Guizhou, PRC

    February 8, 2019

    Japanese mask festival

    February 27, 2018
  • Africa

    The price of African masks

    December 26, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Bought this at garage sale..it looks and feels old and authentic. Made of wood and fabric and shells.  Robbie, 717 A:  One African art dealer calls this is a Dan Deangle mask from Ivory Coast in West Africa and goes on to say that

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    Bob Ibold

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    The Bushoong do fine masks

    April 5, 2016

    Beautiful African mask

    November 30, 2020

    Some African masks are scary

    July 14, 2014
  • Africa

    Well-known African mask

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Bamoun mask Grassfields region, Cameroon 13 inches, wood The Grassfields Cameroon, West Africa are one of the richer parts of Africa for masks and other forms of art. This dates back to the powerful kingdoms that dominated Cameroon two centuries ago. This mask is very typical of the Bamoun (Bamun) people for village ceremonies and secret society ritual. Today, mask making has grown to become a major income producer for the area. Here is an example that is well carved and in excellent condition.   Bob, 715 I just saw a much more expensive mask than this one, which is described in the “Mask for sale” section of our website. Then…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Biombo mask from the Congo

    March 18, 2020

    It certainly is African

    January 1, 2014

    West African masks in use

    January 3, 2017
  • Bali & Java

    Good old or bad old?

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I’m trying to find out where from and how old this mask is that my wife inherited. The mask’s parameters are as follows: height              10″ width                 8″ leather beard    14″     Thanks, Pierre, 714 A:  This is a character from the classic dance dramas of Bali. It probably isn’t very old. I say that because if a mask is used for a long time it slowly develops wear and a patina on its surface. This mask is faded, the paint is chipping off and three of the four fangs are broken off. It…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Javanese Pentul mask

    December 27, 2020

    Javanese tourist mask

    February 16, 2018

    Old Javanese mask

    July 11, 2014
  • Africa

    Tourist masks can look good

    December 18, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I found this mask in an antique store in South Carolina.  Was curious what it represents. Thanks!  Rosalind, 713 A:  This is a decorative piece of art in the style of a Baule mask from Ivory Coast, West Africa. The real ones are called Ndomas by the Baule, and they are said to portray an honored person of the village who is celebrated during a ceremonial dance known as Mblo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Decorative Mwana Pwo mask

    March 31, 2020

    Bedu mask from Ivory Coast

    April 13, 2019

    Probably from the Congo

    March 10, 2016
  • Africa

    Royal elephant mask

    December 15, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I live in Sydney, Australia, and I want to know if  you can please tell me about the origin, value and history of this wooden elephant mask. It has French Cameroon coins and shells imbedded on it. Please check attached photos.  Charbel, 712 A:  Large masks like this were made for the Bali ruling class of western Cameroon.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Modern Chokwe mask?

    June 25, 2017

    3 Guro antelope masks from West Africa

    October 15, 2018

    A not so typical Dan mask

    December 2, 2013
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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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