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  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Chewa mask from Malawi, Africa

    April 9, 2018

    Rough Guro antelope mask

    March 14, 2015

    Punu mask from Gabon

    January 12, 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…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Masks of the World book for $9.97

    July 4, 2016

    Pende pumbu mask

    December 22, 2020

    A Tale of Two Masks from Nigeria

    March 23, 2017
  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Carved wood lion mask from Asia

    July 6, 2015

    Masks from Fiji

    April 6, 2018

    Old Melanesian masks

    May 9, 2020
  • 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.”

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    Bob Ibold

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    Mystery mask indeed

    March 16, 2014

    Great folk art carving

    September 19, 2015

    Heavy Metal Mystery

    January 2, 2015
  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Black face mask

    March 30, 2014

    Recent Amazon Indian masks and costumes

    January 27, 2017

    Classic mask from the Amazon

    January 6, 2014
  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Swiss Butzi by Othmar Klauser

    October 13, 2016

    Strange masks from Basque country

    May 15, 2019

    Classic Viennese carnival mask

    January 8, 2018
  • 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,

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    Bob Ibold

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    Blockbuster mask from Mexico

    March 1, 2016

    History of Mexican masks

    February 21, 2018

    Mexican mask of clay

    March 13, 2017
  • 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

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nepalese Buddhist Mask

    August 22, 2021

    Himalayan skull masks

    January 30, 2017

    Himalayan shaman’s mask

    June 7, 2018
  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Yoruba Gelede Mask

    May 29, 2017

    A version of the Senufo Kpelie mask

    July 31, 2015

    Authentic, used African mask

    February 8, 2015
  • 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.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Tribal mask from Nepal Middle Hills

    September 7, 2017

    Mongolian Buddhist mask

    August 27, 2018

    Colonial India or more recent Nepal?

    June 10, 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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