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  • East Asia

    What makes a mask desireable?

    October 4, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I keep finding slightly damaged Japanese masks on the market. Do the Japanese grade things differently than the US does? This seems to confirm it. The Japanese seller considers this mask to be “fair.” Interesting to see such different grades of quality being applied.  Nate, 563 A: A lot of Western collectors are obsessed with authenticity.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Black-faced monk from Korea

    May 26, 2017

    A Perfect Stranger

    November 16, 2014

    Maori design on masks and tattoos

    April 1, 2014
  • India & Himalayas

    Unique mask from Tibet

    October 1, 2013 / No Comments

    Q:  I bought this from a guy who called it an “African” mask.  It’s a cloth hooded mask that fits over the head (you can see part of the red hood through the eye holes).  It’s got a distinctively Asian feel.  The cowrie shells on the face (and one hanging from a felt nose) are throwing me off a little.  Something about this mask looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t decide where I’ve seen anything like it.  Nothing similar is in any of my books.  I kind of feel like it might be some ethnic minority Chinese wedding mask or something, but it’s pure speculation.  Do you have any idea? …

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    Bob Ibold

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    Primitive mask from the Himalayas

    July 16, 2015

    Yakut iron mask

    April 8, 2016

    Primitive Himalayan mask

    May 8, 2020
  • India
    India & Himalayas

    Wow! Another Indian mask

    September 30, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: This papier mache mask was found at indoor flea market. Would like to know more about it. Thank you.  Mickey, 561 A: Another Indian mask! In the previous post I expressed my disappointment that Indian masks were not more appreciated by collectors…

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    Bob Ibold

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    Finding valuable masks is hard.

    December 10, 2020

    Animal mask from Nepal

    May 2, 2016

    Traditional Buddhist mask from Mongolia

    October 13, 2019
  • India & Himalayas

    How do you find out about Indian masks?

    September 29, 2013 / 6 Comments

    Q: Here is a very heavy, 17-inch tall Indian mask carved out of a hunk of wood. What do you think… is this piece ethnographic or tourist?  Nate, 560 A: Ethnographic Indian for sure. But I don’t know where in India it is from or what use it was intended for.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nepalese Buddhist Mask

    August 22, 2021

    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025

    Don’t be fooled by old looks

    August 26, 2014
  • Africa

    Traditional masquerade continues to evolve

    September 28, 2013 / 1 Comment

    In recent years Phyllis Galembo, Professor of Art at the University of Albany, has traveled around the world photographing traditional masquerade. She finds villages where the rituals and celebrations are still in use and she captures these beautiful performers on film. One of her books, Maske, published in 2010, is filled with photos from Africa and the Caribbean. The mask (on the left) is from an Aromgba village in Nigeria. Here are a few more of her pics.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Rough Guro antelope mask

    March 14, 2015

    African Influences in Modern Art

    August 24, 2020

    Modern Chokwe mask?

    June 25, 2017
  • Guatemala

    Guatemalan masks have strong traditions

    September 27, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Thoughts on this one? Is it turn of the century Guatemalan? The original eyes likely were glass. About 1/3 of the side of the mask once fall off and was glued back on. Would adding new glass eyes add value or subtracts?  Nate, 558 A: It’s an old, used, classic Guatemalan probably from a lesser morreria, but I can’t see any initials.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Patzcar Patron mask from Guatemala

    August 13, 2019

    Here is an authentic Guatemalan mask

    September 24, 2018

    Smiling Gracejo mask from Guatemala

    April 2, 2020
  • Mexico

    Authentic or decorative– both can be desireable

    September 27, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I got this big chicken in Mexico many years ago. Its 30 inches tall and 9 wide. Thanks for any info you might have.  Jerry, 557 A: Decorative masks are not only made for the tourist trade in Mexico,

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    Bob Ibold

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    Great mask show in Lancaster, PA

    August 30, 2015

    Embark on a Mask-terful Journey: Oaxaca, the Ultimate Starting Point for Aspiring Mask Collectors!

    May 2, 2022

    Old, used Mexican mask

    March 30, 2017
  • Africa

    This African is still a mystery

    September 25, 2013 / 4 Comments

    A: You helped me a week ago with my African pig mask. I have another mask, but I see you only do one mask per person. How can I get you to look at another mask?  Diane, 556 Q: I don’t do two or more in a row, but I’ll make an exception this time because I’m intrigued with this particular mask.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Bembe mask used for politics

    June 22, 2019

    Big, beautiful croc

    October 22, 2014

    Another water spirit from Nigeria

    October 19, 2018
  • Native America

    Shaman’s mask from the Far North

    September 24, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q: The attached photos are of a mask I purchased from an estate in Maryland. I was told the previous owner had a few mask in her collection and other collectibles from Alaska. Not sure if it is Alaskan and the reason for sending you photos. The depiction of teeth is something common in many Alaskan masks. What are your thoughts.  Alfonso, 555 A: I’m not sure either, but I’ll bet it’s from one of the indigenous people of Alaska, Siberia or Northern Canada.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Old Inuit mask from Greenland

    June 20, 2019

    Indian Moon mask, Pacific Northwest

    January 29, 2018

    Kwakiult mouse mask for Disney

    November 4, 2016
  • Africa

    Beautiful religious artifact

    September 24, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: Recently I purchased a mask from a local shop in Sydney which sells various goods from Oceania and Africa. The mask is made of wood covered with metal strips and wires (copper?). I like its look and enjoy having it in my house, and would be very grateful if you let me know if this mask is of any significance. Ted, 554 A: A very nice piece indeed, it is a reliquary figure from the Mahongwe people of Gabon, West Africa.

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    Bob Ibold

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    A favorite type of African mask

    September 25, 2014
    Guere-Wobe

    Fine mask and a poem

    November 20, 2013

    Chokwe Pwo mask of Angola or DRC

    December 12, 2018
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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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