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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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    Photos of old Navajo masks

    December 14, 2017

    Pacific Northwest of US and Canada

    July 1, 2017

    Mississippian bone gorget

    December 13, 2016
  • 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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    Demon mask from the Himalayas

    March 8, 2017

    Papua New Guinea mask

    October 20, 2020

    Rare Micronesian mask

    August 20, 2016
  • 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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    India has important traditions of masquerade

    May 9, 2015

    Chhau mask needs headdress

    April 11, 2018

    Garuda mask from India or the Himalayas

    February 28, 2020
  • 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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    Him and her masks from Puebla

    September 19, 2016

    Maranquilla mask for Carnaval

    March 9, 2018

    Another Mexican Devil mask

    February 27, 2017
  • 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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    Classic Javanese dance mask

    June 21, 2015

    Pale blue Javanese mask

    August 16, 2018

    The dreaded Cakil from Java

    February 17, 2016
  • 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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    Chokwe Mwano Pwo mask repro

    October 22, 2019

    Chewa mask from Malawi, Africa

    April 9, 2018

    Another interesting mystery

    February 1, 2016
  • 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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    Calavera Judio Mask

    February 9, 2014

    Olmec carved stone mask

    January 16, 2021

    La Puta mask from Naolinco, Veracruz

    July 14, 2017
  • 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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    Primitive Himalayan mask

    May 8, 2020

    Multiple Mahakalas for decor

    September 21, 2016

    Primitive Nepalese mask

    October 17, 2019
  • 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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    Nice Mahakala mask from Tibet

    December 14, 2018

    Common Sri Lankan mask

    January 30, 2018

    Fake shaman’s mask from Nepal

    February 28, 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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