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  • Africa

    Interesting for sure

    August 21, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I have an interesting and rare African mask that I would like to sell.  I do not have experience in these matters and I would not like to be under-compensated for the piece.  Theo, 532 A: Your Chokwe mask is attractive to tourists and collectors, but does not have much resale value.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Complex African traditional art

    September 15, 2018

    Kuba masks from Central Africa

    September 23, 2019

    Expensive and cheap Chi Waras

    March 8, 2018
  • India & Himalayas

    Turtle shells are a favorite in Tibet

    August 21, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I found this mask at a flea market in Belgium yesterday. Thing is that it’s REALLY well made and I’d like to know if it’s in any particular ancient style you know of.  Sam, 531 A: This is called a Kapala turtle mask and used for Tantric Buddhist ceremonies in the Himalayas or just for good luck in the home.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Primitive mask from the Himalayas

    February 17, 2015

    Old mask from Himachal, India

    May 6, 2020

    9 Mahakalas on 1 plaque

    July 13, 2018
  • East Asia

    The best Noh masks are carved wood

    August 21, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: This Noh mask is made up of layers– the back is black lacquer, then white gesso, and finally a brown fibrous material. 21cm tall. Any idea of it’s age, what character it represents?  Rho, 530 A: The Noh theater tradition goes way back.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Especially colorful Hanhoe mask

    June 3, 2015

    Old mask from India or Thailand?

    November 12, 2018

    Angry old Japanese man

    April 9, 2019
  • India & Himalayas

    We’ve never seen this one

    August 15, 2013 / 3 Comments

    Q:  I found your website and want to know more about this mask. I have had a few others but can’t find this one anywhere.  Wayne, 529 A:  Any helpful comments will be appreciated. The Mask Man knows a little bit about a lot of cultures, however, not all of them. Is that a cobra on the forehead? What about the pointed eyes, weird nose, and cleft upper lip?

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    Bob Ibold

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    Another shaman’s mask from the Highlands

    September 18, 2017

    Great little Sri Lankan mask

    October 14, 2015

    Primitive Nepalese mask

    October 17, 2019
  • East Asia

    It looks authentic to me

    August 15, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Q:  I was wondering what you thought of the attached.  It is allegedly a Borneo Dayak mask from the 1940s, acquired by a WWII veteran.  It looks authentic to me, but I was wondering if you had an opinion. Aaron, 528 A:  It looks authentic (old and used) to me as well. But a seller saying it was brought back by a WWII vet is not provenance that buyers will believe. You need documents such as a letter from the South Pacific, an old snap shot, names and addresses of owner(s).

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    Bob Ibold

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    Large Japanese wall-hanging

    September 11, 2017

    Chinese Nuo mask from Hunan

    April 8, 2019

    Bugaku King Rangryo mask, Japan

    March 29, 2020
  • Mexico

    Wish I knew more about this Mexican

    August 10, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: Sticker says Oaxaca, but the Oaxacan masks I have seen are very brightly colored.  It also has three strips of what appears to be embossed snake skin.  Stephanie, 527 A:  I’ve seen masks like this before, but

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    Bob Ibold

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    Mexican dog mask

    February 17, 2017

    Where did the snakes come from?

    July 17, 2014

    The infamous Barbones mask from Mexico

    March 13, 2019
  • Native America

    How good is this Iroquois mask?

    August 10, 2013 / 4 Comments

    Q: The source identified it as “Iroquois Blind Man” mask. I wonder if you have any additional insight on it?  Paul, 525 A: They have been selling these in reservation souvenir shops for many years.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Iroquois false face mask

    February 15, 2019

    A pair of mystery masks

    September 8, 2015

    Authentic Tlingit ceremonial mask

    July 3, 2015
  • Oceania

    Classic mask from the Sepik River area

    August 9, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: Can you tell me more about this mask from PNG? Julie, 522 A:  It is a classic mask from the Sepik River area of Papua New Guinea.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Lombok face mask

    January 7, 2016

    Dayak Mask from Borneo

    September 5, 2021

    Gourd mask from East Timor

    November 18, 2020
  • India & Himalayas

    Excellent carving with fine details

    August 9, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I was told this was a protective mask. Almost 2-ft high. Caitilin, 523 A:  This is a high-end tourist mask from Tibet or Nepal.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Nepal: Urban Chaos, Living Heritage, and the Trail of Masks

    April 22, 2025

    Sri Lankan healing mask

    March 14, 2016

    Sri Lankan mystery demon

    February 21, 2017
  • Mexico

    Day of the Dead usually means decorative

    August 9, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: I was told this is a Mexican Day of the Dead mask. The rarity, quality and looks have me stumped.  Nathan, 524 A:  It’s a Guerrero-type face with horns and decoration more common to other states.

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    Bob Ibold

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    The unappreciated Mexican decorative

    May 23, 2016

    Typical, old Mexican mask

    September 22, 2015

    Mexican decoratives are nice

    April 25, 2015
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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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