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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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    Ogbodo elephant mask from West Africa

    June 17, 2019
    restored Epa mask

    It looks like it’s just been created

    October 18, 2013

    Interesting show at Brooklyn Museum

    September 2, 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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    Traditional Bobo mask

    May 21, 2017

    Marka style Kore mask

    April 30, 2015

    Interesting mask from the Congo

    November 24, 2014
  • 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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    Who knows this wild man?

    May 2, 2014

    Cool tourist mask from PNG

    March 25, 2020

    Sepic River area mask

    June 15, 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.”

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    Bob Ibold

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    This will be a tough one

    November 22, 2013

    Strange art mask

    December 12, 2014

    Great folk art carving

    September 19, 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

    You May Also Like

    South American Indian mask

    February 24, 2019

    Payaso mask from the mountains of Ecuador

    May 11, 2016

    Wapuri mask from Bolivia

    June 9, 2020
  • 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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    Interesting Sardinian mask

    January 2, 2015

    Fancy Venetian carnival mask

    November 3, 2016

    Traditional folk art from the Alps

    September 8, 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,

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    Bob Ibold

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    Classic Mexican Moor mask

    April 22, 2015

    Tourist mask from Guerrero

    April 19, 2020

    Another great Mexican decorative

    February 8, 2016
  • 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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    Sinhalese mask from Sri Lanka

    October 31, 2017

    Himalayan mask of Mahakala

    February 5, 2018

    Colorful Mahakala from the Himalayas

    June 30, 2016
  • 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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    Sogo Bo rod puppet head from Mali

    March 16, 2017

    Baule Ram Mask

    March 12, 2017

    Another African mystery

    February 29, 2016
  • 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

    You May Also Like

    Primitive Himalayan mask

    May 8, 2020

    Primitive Nepalese mask

    October 17, 2019

    From an island off the tip of India

    August 23, 2017
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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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