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  • 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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    Eskimo small stone mask

    January 11, 2019

    Unidentified Eskimo mask

    January 18, 2017

    2 masks from Kings Island

    July 17, 2020
  • 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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    Rare Oceanic Mask

    February 28, 2017

    Demon mask from the Himalayas

    March 8, 2017

    From the remote areas of Indonesia

    August 23, 2013
  • 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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    Traditional Buddhist mask from Mongolia

    October 13, 2019

    From an island off the tip of India

    August 23, 2017

    Fake Nepal Ganesh mask

    April 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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    The famous Barbones mask

    March 18, 2014

    6 Mexican Devil masks

    November 18, 2018

    Mexican tin mask for tourist

    June 15, 2020
  • Bali & Java

    This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali

    July 17, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: This mask was purchased in 1989 in Bali by myself. How could I best sell it?  Kerri, 521 A:  The big and very colorful Rangda dance mask is quite popular in the West as wall art.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Repro of metal mask from Java

    February 1, 2021

    One of many Balinese characters

    March 7, 2014

    This big Barong is meant to scare

    November 7, 2015
  • Africa

    Ibo, Igbo or Igala from Nigeria

    July 17, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I won this at a Harrisburg, PA auction of collectibles the ex-mayor bought with city funds for a proposed tourist attraction.  The Harrisburg mayor also used the city funds to buy some African and Pre-Columbian items.  25 inches tall, flecked with gold paint mostly worn off, there is also braided rope which is in good shape and the three braids are covered at the ends with roughly 10 inch pieces of leather. I don’t know if this mask was made for market, or even if it’s really from Africa (the auction info consisted solely of the description “African Carved Helmet Mask”. At the price I paid, though ($125.), I feel that even if it’s…

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    Bob Ibold

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    A special African mask

    July 30, 2020
    This photograph taken on March 24, 2022 shows a "Ngil" mask of the Fang people of Gabon ahead of its auction in March 2022. Photo by Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images

    Elderly Duo Discover Their ‘Garage Sale’ African Mask Was a $4.4 Million Jackpot! Now, They Want Their Fair Share!

    November 3, 2023

    Inexpensive West African mask

    December 30, 2017
  • Mexico

    What about this very old mask I inherited?

    July 16, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q:  I was curious about this mask. It is made from wood and measures 10 1/2″. This was part of my dad’s collection, he traveled the world and was an antique dealer, unfortunately he passed away and I have recently been going through his stuff. The mask is in rough condition it has cracked and is missing an ear. Any information would be much appreciated.  Caroline   519 A:  Certainly an old and used mask from a small Mexican village. Otherwise,

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    Bob Ibold

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    A different kind of devil

    September 25, 2014

    A carver with his own unique style

    May 13, 2014

    The unappreciated Mexican decorative

    May 23, 2016
  • India & Himalayas

    Not sure it is a Hanuman mask

    July 15, 2013 / 2 Comments

    Q: I purchased this Hanuman mask and thought it was very unique because of the bird on top. Have you ever seen this before? Is it mid 19th Century or earlier?  Josh, 517 A:  Not sure it is a Hanuman mask. Have never seen the bird on top of one.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025

    Indian folk art at its best

    March 11, 2015

    A piece of primitive Himalayan art

    June 22, 2014
  • India & Himalayas

    Colonial India or more recent Nepal?

    June 10, 2013 / No Comments

    Q: I purchased this mask about 10 years ago just because it was interesting. The story the seller told me was her grandmother wore it at Purim time as a child in the 1920’s.To me he kind of resembles what Haman may have looked like, but I do not know if this story is true, or if this is just a piece of touristy folk art made many years later. Any ideas?  Allison, 502 A: It may not be that old, but it’s not a typical tourist mask either.

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    Bob Ibold

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    Unusual Sri Lankan mask

    January 2, 2016

    Rare mask from Indian Himalayas

    June 13, 2020

    Old Himalayan mask

    April 25, 2017
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Quiz - Test Your Mask Knowledge

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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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