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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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    Guere mask from Liberia

    July 30, 2018

    Baule Ram Mask

    March 23, 2016

    Another interesting mystery

    February 1, 2016
  • 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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    Beautiful mask from Bhutan

    June 12, 2014

    Primitive mask from the Himalayas

    February 17, 2015

    Kali masks from India

    April 26, 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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    Old Man mask of Japanese Noh theater

    December 24, 2017

    Korean masks stand out

    January 4, 2016

    Asian mask for decor or memories

    September 14, 2015
  • 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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    Valuable Sri Lankan mask

    August 13, 2016

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

    April 22, 2025

    Valuable Kolam mask

    October 3, 2020
  • 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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    Old Kitsune mask from Japan

    October 31, 2020

    Popular Japanese mask

    February 19, 2018

    Older Hanhoe mask from Korea

    November 21, 2016
  • 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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    Clown mask from Veracruz

    September 11, 2017

    Mexican mask collection

    August 3, 2018

    Big mask with little snakes

    June 11, 2015
  • 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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    Native American Octopus mask

    October 19, 2017

    How masks help tell the legend of the Wild Woman

    October 26, 2017

    Shaman’s mask from the Far North

    September 24, 2013
  • 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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    Oceanic Mask?

    November 15, 2021

    Hat mask from Vanuatu in Solomon Is.

    September 29, 2020

    South Pacific Surprise

    December 10, 2014
  • 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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    From an island off the tip of India

    August 23, 2017

    Fake Nepal Ganesh mask

    April 17, 2019

    Just two more Indian masks

    September 17, 2019
  • 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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    Nice souvenir of Mexico

    May 10, 2014

    Pre-Columbian masks & statues

    November 26, 2019

    Strange leather mask from Mexico

    November 13, 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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