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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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    Little Rangda mask

    December 7, 2016

    A Barong mask that seems too small

    January 10, 2014

    Balinese masks, the most dramatic

    November 28, 2018
  • 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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    Nice Senufo Kpelie mask

    February 8, 2015

    Probably from the Congo

    March 10, 2016

    Much larger Congo mask

    December 2, 2014
  • 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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    The Vejigantes steal the show in Ponce, PR.

    March 26, 2017

    The fabulous Vejigante

    October 31, 2016

    Boruca monkey mask

    March 5, 2018
  • 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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    Baga Nimba mask from the Guinea coast

    June 29, 2017

    Lipiko mask from East Africa

    February 24, 2018

    Mbunda wise, old man mask

    October 11, 2020
  • 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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    One of the great masks of the world

    November 24, 2013

    Bugaku King Rangryo mask, Japan

    March 29, 2020

    Rare old Chinese Nuo mask

    March 19, 2015
  • 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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    Beautiful mask from the Congo

    December 21, 2013

    A popular mask from Ivory Coast

    October 5, 2015

    Ekoi mask comparison

    February 14, 2017
  • 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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    Value of tribal masks from high to low

    October 13, 2018

    Guro Mamiwata mask

    July 23, 2015

    Cheap Liberian mask

    July 21, 2018
  • 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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    Java Monkey Mask

    July 13, 2021

    Indonesian dance mask for the poor

    September 18, 2018

    Javanese Pentul mask

    December 27, 2020
  • 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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    Marka style Kore mask

    April 30, 2015

    Kota Reliquary Figure

    August 30, 2015

    Igbo crest mask from Africa

    November 24, 2020
  • 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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    Portrait of a white man

    November 28, 2016

    Bwa Nunuma mask, Burkina Faso

    July 10, 2020

    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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