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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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    Hannya, the she-devil

    March 14, 2016

    Unusual yam mask

    October 18, 2014

    Hannya the She Devil

    May 18, 2017
  • 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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    Unusual carved wood bird

    July 30, 2014

    Himalayan mask of Mahakala

    February 5, 2018

    You got a good deal

    September 6, 2013
  • 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

    You May Also Like

    Old and used mask from India

    August 29, 2019

    Hairy leather mask

    August 22, 2017

    Nepalese Buddhist Mask

    August 22, 2021
  • 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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    A piece of primitive Himalayan art

    June 22, 2014

    Masks of the Himalayas

    March 16, 2018

    Famous 10-headed King Ravana

    September 10, 2013
  • 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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    Dan racer mask from W. Africa

    October 16, 2017

    Another West African Mystery

    February 17, 2014

    3 Guro antelope masks from West Africa

    October 15, 2018
  • 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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    Green devil from Guatemala

    March 29, 2019

    Old Guatemalan mask

    April 14, 2018

    Authentic Guatemalan mask in excellent condition

    July 31, 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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    Strange leather mask from Mexico

    November 13, 2015

    Mexican mask of clay

    March 13, 2017

    The famous Tigre battle helmet

    September 18, 2015
  • 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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    Kuba nyet mask

    June 16, 2016

    A popular mask from Ivory Coast

    October 5, 2015

    Ogbodo elephant mask from West Africa

    June 17, 2019
  • 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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    Native American Octopus mask

    October 19, 2017

    Navajo Mystery Mask… or?

    October 21, 2016

    Indian mask made of bone

    September 21, 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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    Strange but real

    April 7, 2014

    Guere mask from Liberia

    July 30, 2018

    Old We/Guere mask

    May 27, 2019
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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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