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  • East Asia

    A Perfect Stranger

    November 16, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I am a collector of Oceanic material and just bought this mask at a local auction. It is 21 inches long and seems to be old, but I really don’t know where it’s from. It’s full of decoration, mostly scorpions and birds.  Niek, 701 A:  This is a mystery for the Mask Man as well.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Japan’s magnificent Noh masks

    July 23, 2020

    Traditional Japanese Noh mask

    October 10, 2020

    Chinese character mask

    June 13, 2018
  • South America

    Very old Diablo Umo

    November 13, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Any ideas? The blue mask has what looks like a date 1957. They were well used. There is a moth eaten felt pad at the inside top to make wearing easier. I have no ideas. Thanks, Gary, 700 A:  The Diablo Umo fabric mask is a classic from the Quechua-speaking people of Ecuador.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Wapuri mask from Bolivia

    June 9, 2020

    Pre-Columbian masks & statues

    November 26, 2019

    Bolivian Devil Mask with Lizard

    March 7, 2017
  • East Asia

    Real mask or not

    November 13, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I am super excited to have discovered your site.  I have collected masks since I visited Mexico in the summer of 1995.  My favourite mask is one I bought in Taxco in a store that was just filled with masks.  I know you asked for just one to be submitted but I think the back of the other one is so interesting. It was purchased in an antique store in Honk Kong in 2000. I think I was told it was bamboo root. I don’t buy masks for their value, I really just collect what masks that I enjoy and like to look at.  Lucy, 699 A:  What I…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Korean masks stand out

    January 4, 2016

    Japanese Iki-Ningyo mask

    December 8, 2016

    Chinese Nuo Opera mask

    April 24, 2020
  • Mexico

    Routine Mexican Devil

    November 12, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  Got this mask in Nogales, Mexico 15-20 yrs ago. I also collect Pascola masks from Northern Mexico. What can you tell me about this one?  Steve, 698 A:  I am a great lover of Mexican masks. The first mask I ever purchased (30 years ago) was Mexican and there are many on my walls at home that I just can’t part with. Even with this favorable prejudice, I am not thrilled with this piece.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Why Mexican masks are so much fun

    May 17, 2015

    Mexican deer mask

    February 28, 2018

    Strange Mexican mask

    June 16, 2016
  • Africa

    Blind man’s mask

    November 7, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I bought this unusual African mask from a local dealer.  He told me it was about 100 years old and from the Ivory Coast.  The seller said it was made by the Yaware tribe and used in ceremonies where the magician needed to enter a very deep trance.  Apparently the lack of eye holes made that more possible.  He also said it was very rare and he’d never seen one like it before.  I’m particularly interested in the mouth with the sharp teeth.  I’d love to find out what spirits or creature this mask represents and what ceremonies it was used for.  I tried to google the Yaware tribe…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nice West African mask

    July 6, 2015

    Why are real African masks so hard to find?

    September 10, 2013

    It certainly is African

    January 1, 2014
  • Mexico

    Specialized mask collecting

    October 31, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Even though I’m not a Lucha Libre fan, I know this guy is a currently popular wrestler from Mexico. I’ve seen his picture before. That’s saying something because there are hundreds of wrestlers that wear different masks… and they retire that unique design when the athlete ends his career.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Big mask with little snakes

    June 11, 2015

    La Puta mask from Naolinco, Veracruz

    July 14, 2017

    Mexican or Guatemalan clay mask?

    September 15, 2017
  • Mexico

    Realistic looking decorative

    October 30, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I found this mask at an estate sale in my neighborhood and was told it was Balinese but I am now wondering if it could be Mexican as I know there are traditions of Mexican ceremonies in which participants wear masks caved like old men. The mask has attached hair which feels like horse or ox hair. I would appreciate any additional knowledge you may have.  Jack, 695 A:  Jack, you’re on the right track.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

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    Mexican Mermaid Mask

    April 12, 2016

    Authentic or decorative– both can be desireable

    September 27, 2013

    The infamous Barbones mask from Mexico

    March 13, 2019
  • Bali & Java

    Bird mask from Indonesia

    October 25, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I have just purchased this mask because I like it.  It cost me £50. Have you any ideas about age and origin.  Kevin, 694 A:  Your Javanese bird mask has a pleasant, old, used look to it. Similar bird masks are also made in Bali.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Old Java mask with nice patina

    August 25, 2018

    Old Javanese mask

    July 11, 2014

    Old half-mask from Bali

    December 5, 2014
  • East Asia

    Timor has many styles

    October 24, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  We bought this mask in Ubud, Bali. It is supposed to be from Timor. Could you please confirm? Thanks, Hugo (Paris, France), 693 A:  Timor is 700 miles east of Bali which is a huge market for masks, even from other areas of the world. So it is not surprising that you would find this unusual mask there.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Sculpture from the SW Pacific

    May 14, 2015

    Chinese Nuo Opera mask

    April 24, 2020

    Many Japanese masks are for display

    April 9, 2014
  • Africa

    Big, beautiful croc

    October 22, 2014 / No Comments

    Q:  I have what I think is a Bwa/Bobo crocodile mask that I was told was about 80 years old, from Burkina Faso.  I was wondering if I could send you a few photos of it to see what you might be able to tell me. The closest thing I could find on the web was this:  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fine-Old-African-Tribal-Mask-Nuna-Bobo-Crocodile-Mask-Burkina-Faso-3-1-2-feet-/321188759293.  Many thanks.  Laurie, 692 A:  That is such a handsome mask, and it is more attractive than the one on eBay. The seller wrote a good description so I’m going to share it with our readers.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Reproduction of Lega mask

    April 22, 2018

    Is masquerade still alive in Africa?

    October 1, 2018

    Oceanic Mask?

    November 15, 2021
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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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