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  • Africa

    Strange but real

    April 7, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  Hi, can’t place this one. Family in Africa 1967 on, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt. I think this bought in Ghana from itinerant trader. Maybe Mali, Upper Volta? Thoughts? Sorry I don’t have mask, one one picture.  John, 629 A:  I’ve never seen anything like this.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nice West African mask

    July 6, 2015

    Authentic African Ekpo mask?

    December 28, 2020

    The Bushoong do fine masks

    April 5, 2016
  • East Asia

    Maori design on masks and tattoos

    April 1, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q:  That would be just fine with me if you post my Maori mask on your blog.  I purchased it in 1989 at The Auckland Museum.  The mask measures 5 ½ “ x 11 ¼ “.  Edward, 628 A:  I’ve never had a Maori item on the Mystery Mask blog.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Japan uses the most masks

    October 12, 2018

    Large, long-nosed Tengu mask

    October 24, 2020

    Yao Shaman Mask

    April 30, 2016
  • Native America

    From the far, far northwest

    March 31, 2014 / 4 Comments

    Q: I have several King Island masks like this is one. The estate I got if from was of a man that was very well off and loved to fish for Coho. He was in his 90’s so I expect he got this mask many years ago.  I picked up a few Alaskan treats from the estate. I do not need a full appraisal but it would be great if you could tell me a $ range so I can note it in my insurance folder. This particular mask is 7.25 in high, 5 in wide and 3.75 in to tip of nose. The mouth is 2 in, the eyes 1.25 in.…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Eskimo artifacts: fantasy in a cold climate

    October 23, 2017

    Pacific Northwest of US and Canada

    July 1, 2017

    Native American Apache Gaan Dancer Mask

    September 4, 2018
  • South America

    Black face mask

    March 30, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q: I am looking to identify these masks. There are three that are made in the same style but with different facial features. The paint is the same on all, making me think they are for the tourist market, I am just not sure where. One has large lips and two have large noses of different styles. I have a few African masks and other tribal art. I inherited these three from my father and am unsure of their origin. Can you help? Thanks so much for your time. I have googled and the closest I think I have found is Sri Lanka, but I may be far off. I…

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    Bob Ibold

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    World traveling mask

    August 31, 2014

    Old Peru wood mask

    January 6, 2015

    Art from the Amazon jungles

    September 15, 2013
  • Africa

    Decorating vs. Collecting

    March 25, 2014 / No Comments

    Q: We purchased this mask recently from a man trying to get rid of some personal items. We love the combined mask basket look of it but, realize it is not an authentic worn mask. We however do not know what this style of mask is called. We would like to get more for declarative purposes but, searching basket mask on the internet does not provide any help in what they are called. Hope you can shed some light on a name. Thanks in advance.  Carolyn, 625 A: You can call this a West African tourist mask that looks like, and actually may be, from the Baule people of Ivory…

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    Bob Ibold

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    West African masks in use

    January 3, 2017

    Kota reliquaries are often in mask collections

    March 2, 2019

    Modern Chokwe mask?

    June 25, 2017
  • Guatemala

    Beat-up Guatemalan still here

    March 22, 2014 / No Comments

    Q: I purchased this mask from a small auction house here in England a few years ago.  It measures approx 14 inches by 6 1/2. It is of zoomorphic form and appears to have been painted at some time. At the top of the mask there appears to have been a hood attached and you can see where this has split out above the two larger holes there is only a tiny tuft still threaded through from the centre hole. I also think it may have had ears at some stage. carved from a heavy hard wood. .Any info would be great. Thanks, Robert, 624 A: Thanks for working so…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Guatemalan mystery mask

    July 19, 2020

    Repro of Guatemalan Jaguar mask

    August 8, 2016

    Guatemalan small mask, rare and old

    June 28, 2019
  • South America

    Always go for quality

    March 21, 2014 / 3 Comments

    Q: I just discovered this mask (have not bought it) and have no idea what it is.  The seller doesn’t either.  It bears some superficial resemblances to some forms of Bulgarian Kuker masks, but I’ve never seen one in leather like this.  It might be an American folk mask for all I know.  What do you think?  Aaron, 623 A: I hope you buy it. It is the work of a talented artist, probably European.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Old Peru wood mask

    January 6, 2015

    Amazon Indian spirit mask

    February 21, 2016

    Sheet metal Devil mask

    June 5, 2017
  • Europe

    Those Germans know how to party

    March 18, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q: I’m trying to find out some information about these masks. I’m guessing that they are from Germany. Any information would be helpful.  Craig, 622 A: You are correct, they are German.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Rare chimpanzee mask from the Tyrol

    July 21, 2018

    Old-style Charlie Chaplin mask

    June 10, 2019

    Classic Viennese carnival mask

    January 8, 2018
  • Mexico

    The famous Barbones mask

    March 18, 2014 / 6 Comments

    Q: Wanted to run a mask past you for a quick glance. You may have already seen this floating around, but I’m currently trying to decide whether to purchase. Problem is that neither I, nor the seller have much of an idea of what we have. After looking on your site, I suspect it may be a Barbones mask from Mexico – decorative, 20th century (as opposed to the seller’s opinion of 19th century). The carving just seems so fine, it would seem too difficult for a regular folk artist.  John, 621 A: Your analysis is correct. Let me add a little.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Useful tourist mask

    February 27, 2020

    A poor mans Paragueros

    February 19, 2014

    Mexican decoratives are nice

    April 25, 2015
  • Unknown

    Mystery mask indeed

    March 16, 2014 / 1 Comment

    Q: The attached mask was part of the Chicago collection lot that I acquired last year. It was part of a bulk lot of Mexican masks, but this one is certainly NOT Mexican. It is carved from heavy wood, and I’m fairly sure it’s African, but anything beyond that, I have no clue. I made this a present to my ex-wife, who collects African masks. She likes it a lot, but would like to know more about it. Do you have any clues about this one?  Helmut, 620 A: That is a very interesting mask. I have never seen anything like it.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Mystery Mask Contest

    November 16, 2018

    Another mystery mask

    March 19, 2019

    Strange mask of natural materials

    September 22, 2015
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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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