• Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • About
  • Contact
Masks of the World

  • Home
  • Blog Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • Masks
  • Blog About
  • Home
  • Blog Home
  • Discover & Learn
  • Ask Us About Your Mask
  • Masks
  • Blog About
  • Africa

    Where in Africa?

    November 14, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: I bought this mask from a guy on the internet from Serbia. That country was famous 30 years ago for its good relationship with Africa,  so I guess that the mask is African.  Zarko, 582 A: I agree that it is African, and it is nice looking.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Dan bird mask

    March 2, 2017

    Baga snake headdresses from Guinea Bassau

    July 27, 2019

    African mask with no mouth

    January 7, 2016
  • Africa

    Hard to identify West African

    November 11, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: It was part of collection of items left over from a Free Trade Import store that closed. The seller back in the mid 90’s told me that it an authentic ceremonial mask; whereas, other’s in the collection were passport mask made for tourist and not of much value. The mask has holes along the sides and I was told these held grasses at one time which would cover the lower part of the face as the mask rest upon the forehead. From the top of the crown to the bottom of chin measures 11 1/2″ and from ear to ear 6 3/4″. It is made of a very light…

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Bembe mask used for politics

    June 22, 2019

    Probably from the Congo

    March 10, 2016

    Beautiful Igbo Maiden

    June 18, 2016
  • Oceania

    A popular god in Asia

    November 10, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: I would like to find out where this mask is actually from and what it represents. I bought it 14 years ago in a decoration boutique in Belgium, where I live, for 100 dollars. The guy told me it was Indonesian, but I’ve always had a doubt. It is made of wood, it is quite heavy. It is rather a wall decoration, as it is not carved at the back. Many thanks for any details you may give me.  Valerie, 580 A: This is a handsome portrayal of Garuda, an important bird-like god that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology throughout Asia.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Ask the Mask Man or professional appraisal

    June 2, 2019

    Sepic River area mask

    June 15, 2016

    Rare Micronesian mask

    August 20, 2016
  • Unknown

    Very strange mask

    November 7, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: Looks old & crudely carved wooden mask with animal, about 10″ tall, wood is light some cracking, no idea where from or what age, what do you think, Thanks,  George, 579 A: This could win “Strangest Mask of the Year.”

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    A big mystery

    January 13, 2014

    This will be a tough one

    November 22, 2013

    Stunning art, but not a mask

    September 11, 2013
  • South America

    Rich masquerade in the Andes

    November 3, 2013 / 3 Comments

    Q: I would really appreciate your help identifying the mystery mask and costume.  I bought these for $100 total from a guy who said they were from Peru.  The back is as fancy as the front.  I see some Ecuadorian (Diablo Umo-type) characteristics here, but I admit this thing is a total mystery to me.  Nothing I’ve seen or read about remotely resembles it.  Any ideas?  Aaron, 578 A: Peru sounds right to me.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Tukuna mask from NE Amazon region

    October 24, 2019

    Part 1: Bolivia’s Hidden Treasure – The Mask Museum Experience

    November 6, 2024

    Indian cloth mask from Ecuador

    March 13, 2018
  • Europe

    Something different

    November 3, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q: Bought this mask online several years ago. I’m guessing it’s Swiss or Italian. The nose and chin were carved to appear “split” down the center. The wood is dense and smells like cedar.Teeth are plastic. No idea of age but it appears to be older. Any ideas as to origin?  Dan A: I agree with you– it’s an unusual mask.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Botarga mask from Spain

    November 8, 2019

    Masquerade in Switzerland and Germany

    February 9, 2017

    Traditional mask from the Swiss Alps

    December 7, 2015
  • Mexico

    Mexican decoratives can be fun

    October 30, 2013 / No Comments

    Q:  I am new to mask collecting, but am definitely interested in learning about all kinds of masks. This particular mask is a favorite in my collection. It is wooden and definitely hand painted. I bought it for a dollar at a yard sale from a nice Asian family — I believe they were Japanese. If you can give me any information about it, I would surely appreciate it!  Desmond, 576 A: Your piece is Mexican,

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Mexican decoratives can fool you

    June 16, 2014

    Holy Week mask from NW Mexico

    December 5, 2017

    Old decorative mask from Guerrero

    June 24, 2019
  • Himachal Pradesh
    India & Himalayas

    Primitive shaman’s mask from the Himalayas

    October 29, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: I bought this mask from an old Tibetan refugee merchant in Dharamsala last month. He didn’t speak much English, but claimed that this mask was from Tibet and that it is more than hundred years old. I took this information with a grain of salt. To me, it does not look particularly Tibetan and what comes to it’s age, it seems quite impossible to tell, but looks a bit newer. It is very crudely crafted and quite unlike any of the other masks I saw around. Quite heavy and of hard wood. I  liked it’s strangeness and bought it for a reasonable asking price.  Aki, 575

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Turtle shells are a favorite in Tibet

    August 21, 2013

    India Monkey Mask

    August 20, 2021

    Indian mystery mask

    June 22, 2017
  • Africa

    Beautiful discovery from the Congo

    October 28, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Dear members of African Arts group. I would like to ask for a help to identify this beautiful and highly expressive mask.  http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/African_Arts/photos/albums/52889153  I have purchased it as a ‘Kwame’ mask, however, my colleague from France suggested possible Zande influence. At the same time there are certain characteristics of Lega visual language articulated here. Thank you very much.  David, 574 A: The question was sent to the African_Arts groups first.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Senufo or otherwise

    May 6, 2014

    Makonde breast plate

    December 10, 2015

    Babanki elephant mask from Cameroon

    May 27, 2020
  • India & Himalayas

    I love delivering good news

    October 27, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: My daughter was given this mask by a friend. Unfortunately she does not know any details about it. It is quite large, about 2.5 feet high and about 18 inches wide. Any help with identifying this mask would be great. Thanks for your help. Ted, 573 A: I believe this is an older and well used mask from Sri Lanka.

    Read More
    Bob Ibold

    You May Also Like

    Citipati (Ging) Mask From Tibet

    December 16, 2018

    From an island off the tip of India

    August 23, 2017

    Unusual carved wood bird

    July 30, 2014
128129130131132


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.

Archives

Masks of the World - 2025 ©