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  • Guatemala

    For Guatemalan mask owners

    January 2, 2014 / No Comments

    Nate sent in some interesting stuff. You will want to follow these links. Bob, i found this article fairly interesting. Namely, the picture of the cross-section of paint layers was rather shocking to me… I’ve seen masks before were one could visually count 5-6 layers of paint.. but its all the more rare to see them shown as rings of a tree… really hits home the cultural use of these… Full article: http://www.penn.museum/blog/collection/conservation/conservation-of-masks-for-maya-2012-lords-of-time/ Layers of paint: http://www.penn.museum/blog/conservation/conservation-of-masks-for-maya-2012-lords-of-time/attachment/leica-picture/

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    Bob Ibold

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    More about Guatemalan morerias

    July 11, 2019

    Red devil from Guatemala

    March 30, 2019

    Mask, hat and costume from Guatemala

    December 30, 2016
  • Africa

    It certainly is African

    January 1, 2014 / 2 Comments

    Q: I obtained this from a friend, who’s great uncle lived in Africa and collected various weapons, musical instruments, and of course mask. The white that outlines the eyes, ears, and mouth is some sort of gritty paint that can be scratched off. The mask is about 15 inches tall including the burlap top( 9 inches from the top of the forehead to chin) it is 7 and 1/2 inches across. The cone on the top seems to be made of straw and covered with burlap. Would love to know where it originated from and its purpose …if in fact it is an authentic mask. Thanks in advance for you…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Punu mask from Gabon, West Africa

    October 26, 2015

    Bamana helmet crest

    May 30, 2019

    Mask from Nigeria, not the Congo

    July 12, 2014
  • Africa

    Traditional masquerade continues to evolve

    December 31, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Look at this wonderful postman mask from Nigeria. The guy looks like an Indian immigrant, and his cap seems to have the USPS logo on it. Times are changing. Actually, traditional African art has been changing for a long time. Two great books to read: Africa Explores by Susan Vogel and Maske by Phyllis Galembo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    David Norden Buy African Antiques

    November 3, 2017

    Decorative Guro mask

    April 14, 2015

    Nice West African mask

    March 7, 2018
  • Africa

    Tourist junk can be desirable

    December 30, 2013 / 5 Comments

    Q: I found this mask at Goodwill. It is carved from one piece of dark wood. 18″ x 6″. There is red color under the black where it has chipped off. It had a string in back and looks like it was a wall hanger.  Rob, 599 A: You have a Guro (a tribe from Ivory Coast, West Africa) tourist mask.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Beautiful mask from the Congo

    December 21, 2013

    Kpelie mask, Senufo people, Ivory Coast

    January 23, 2017

    Guere mask from Liberia

    July 30, 2018
  • Africa

    Let’s identify this strange mask

    December 30, 2013 / 5 Comments

    Q: Of all the masks I have from the corners of the world, I only have one whose origins are unknown to me. It has these little perforations on the side which I assume is for attaching hay, or feathers, or maybe leaves for decoration. I would love to find out where it came from. A friend bought it for me as a housewarming gift and said the man that sold the mask spoke no English.  Marcos, 598 A: This is a fine looking mask, but not something that I can identify.

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    Bob Ibold

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    West African mask with coins on her head

    September 18, 2015

    Perfect reproduction of Tsogo mask

    February 25, 2019

    New fake of Dan bird mask

    July 5, 2020
  • India & Himalayas

    The famous Mahakala mask

    December 27, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q: Here is a Nepaleese Mask from my collection. Do you know which god is depicted? Thanks a lot, Wim, 597 A: This is Mahakala, or Gonpo, the most often reproduced mask in the Himalayan area.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nepal: Urban Chaos, Living Heritage, and the Trail of Masks

    April 22, 2025

    Sri Balaram mask from India

    July 12, 2017

    Mask from somewhere in India

    September 10, 2015
  • Africa

    Beautiful mask from the Congo

    December 21, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I bought this mask in Berne, it’s from Gabun. I did a long internet research and didn’t find anything closely resembling. But I found your website, a treasure trove. I’d be happy if you could give me more information about this mask. Thank you!  Maja, 596 A: To me this handsome mask combines the characteristics of several cultures located in the central part of the DRC, formerly the Belgian Congo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Interesting for sure

    August 21, 2013

    Kuba nyet mask

    June 16, 2016

    Pair of Chi Wara “masks”

    July 6, 2014
  • Unknown

    Meant to be a pair, but from where?

    December 15, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: I found these two masks together in a bazaar and first thought they were the classic theatre faces happy/sad. I bought the pair for $7….soon realized they are not the theatre masks, but have no clue where they could be from. There are hole for the eyes, but no side strings to allow for wearing. The wood is light and looks like it was darkened with maybe black shoe polish on the backs as well. Do you have any idea where these masks could come from?  Paule, 595 A: I’ve never seen masks like these.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A Mystery Mask

    June 16, 2021

    The Mask Man is stumped again.

    December 8, 2013

    Art mask

    November 15, 2019
  • Mexico

    Our enemy, the powder post beetle

    December 15, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q: These are photos of the mask I made of my dog Cadie. Don’t know if you can see the holes on the front. Back of mask, holes  a bit more visible.  Once I noticed the holes I left the mask in the freezer for 2 weeks then sprayed it with a clear, flat polymer.  Mark, 594 A: I’ve posted one of my own Mexican masks where you can see the work of beetles more clearly in a small photo.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Typical, old Mexican mask

    September 22, 2015

    Good reading

    August 15, 2014

    Tlacololero mask from Guerrero, Mexico

    June 30, 2017
  • Africa

    African traditional art influenced the modernists

    December 15, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: I came across another mask and write to inquire about its potential value. It is 24 inches in diameter. Attached are a couple of pictures. Let me know if its worth pursuing or not.  In the meantime, stay warm and keep in touch.  Charlie, 593 A: I think it is worth pursuing.

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    Bob Ibold

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    This photograph taken on March 24, 2022 shows a "Ngil" mask of the Fang people of Gabon ahead of its auction in March 2022. Photo by Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images

    Elderly Duo Discover Their ‘Garage Sale’ African Mask Was a $4.4 Million Jackpot! Now, They Want Their Fair Share!

    November 3, 2023

    13 Yaka masks in Brussels show

    February 8, 2018

    Gu mask from West Africa

    June 4, 2020
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Quiz - Test Your Mask Knowledge

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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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