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  • 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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    South Pacific Surprise

    December 10, 2014

    Demon mask from the Himalayas

    March 8, 2017

    Timorese mask

    December 30, 2018
  • 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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    Black old man from Mongolia

    December 27, 2017

    Chhau mask from Purulia, India

    February 25, 2019

    We’ve never seen this one

    August 15, 2013
  • 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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    Parachico mask from Southern Mexico

    April 7, 2018

    Another Mexican decorative mask

    July 10, 2019

    Useful tourist mask

    February 27, 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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    Balinese clown mask

    May 11, 2019

    Sometimes repairs are a good idea

    December 30, 2015

    Classic dance mask from Java

    May 23, 2017
  • 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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    West African mystery mask

    August 6, 2016

    The Songye Kifwebe mask

    February 17, 2016

    Why You Probably Shouldn’t Buy That African Mask (But We Know You Will Anyway)

    August 15, 2023
  • 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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    Old Mexican mask

    November 16, 2016

    Holy Week mask from NW Mexico

    December 5, 2017

    Old Mexican mask?

    July 27, 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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    Excellent carving with fine details

    August 9, 2013

    Sri Lankan mystery demon

    February 21, 2017

    India Monkey Mask

    August 20, 2021
  • 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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    Tribal mask from Nepal Middle Hills

    September 7, 2017

    Hairy leather mask

    August 22, 2017

    How do you find out about Indian masks?

    September 29, 2013
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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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