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  • Displaying

    3 Unique Ways to Display a Mask

    July 11, 2022 / No Comments

    I love seeing a wall full of masks but what if you want to make one masks the focal point?  One masks to control them all! (Sorry, I couldn’t help making LOTR reference).  Hanging one mask all by itself might draw attention but it seems a bit sparce to me.  If you have an intriguing story to go along with the single mask or maybe a plaque placed under it, that might suffice but let me try to inspire you to reach a little bit deeper into your creativity. The following 3 ideas for creating a single mask focal point will hopefully get your juices flowing and help you come…

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    Troy

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    Saving Face: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Mask Collection

    July 19, 2023
  • Mexico,  Travel

    Embark on a Mask-terful Journey: Oaxaca, the Ultimate Starting Point for Aspiring Mask Collectors!

    May 2, 2022 / No Comments

    For mask collectors and adventure seekers Oaxaca has it all.  There are countless festivals and celebrations many of which involve the use of masks.  You’ll even see the use of masks in some weddings and graduation ceremonies! I’ve traveled to numerous places around the world and Oaxaca, Mexico holds a special place in my heart.  I’d go as so far as to call Oaxaca my second home.  I’ve spent more time in Oaxaca than anywhere else in the world (other than Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA where I grew up). In addition to masks, there are amazing ancient ruins (Zapotec, Monte Alban) just a 30-minute bus ride from the center along with…

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    Troy

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    Pre-Columbian stone and clay

    March 25, 2017

    Mexican tin mask for tourist

    June 15, 2020

    Old skull mask from Mexico

    May 13, 2016
  • Discover & Learn,  History

    Where did it all begin?

    April 10, 2022 / No Comments

    Since the earliest times, human beings have struggled untiringly for their survival on earth, managing to adapt and evolve according to their environment and the challenges that it brings. Added to this, the acquisition of consciousness and the perception of reality made them not only have recognition of themself but of other species such as animals and plants and it is there where for different reasons, they begin to seek the personification or transformation of their own appearance. The word “mask” etymologically speaking could have several meanings: “mask” originates from the French masque or maschera in Italian or másquera from Spanish. The possible ancestors in Latin are mascus, masca =…

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    Paula Diaz

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    Traditional vs. Authentic Masks: Understanding the Nuance

    August 8, 2023

    The Fascination of Native American Masks: Unraveling History, Artistry, and Cultural Wisdom

    July 13, 2023
    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
  • Indonesia

    Indonesian Tiger Mask

    January 7, 2022 / No Comments

    Q: I think the mask that I have here should be an old Sumatran Tiger mask? I acquired it out of a Dutch private collection dome 20 years ago. Could I ask your help to identify this beautiful mask. – P

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    Troy

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    2 wild boar masks from Bali

    July 21, 2019

    The new popular: Borneo Hudoq Masks

    April 29, 2024

    Topeng prime minister from Bali

    April 30, 2019
  • Africa,  Oceania,  Unknown

    Oceanic Mask?

    November 15, 2021 / No Comments

    Q: Daniela ask: Unfortunately I don’t know anything about the mask. We bought it from somebody in Czech.                                                                                                                        

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    Troy

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    Kuba Bwoom mask from the DRC

    May 19, 2018

    This African is still a mystery

    September 25, 2013

    Strange but real

    April 7, 2014
  • Oceania

    Dayak Mask from Borneo

    September 5, 2021 / 4 Comments

    Q: I found this carved wood mask in a consignment store several years ago. It is 20 inches long, has an articulated mouth and holes along the open edge in back to hold bark strips or hair. There are no modern materials used, no wire or nails. Just wondering if you knew where it might be from.

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    Troy

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    A popular god in Asia

    November 10, 2013

    Modern Mosquito Mask

    February 15, 2016

    Maori mask from New Zealand

    August 16, 2017
  • India & Himalayas

    Nepalese Buddhist Mask

    August 22, 2021 / No Comments

    Q: I bought this mask online last week and paid less than $100 for it. The seller described the mask as African . I have a fairly large collection of African masks so I knew that was incorrect. I supposed it to be from somewhere in the Himalayan region. It has obvious wear and some damage which has been repaired. Has red wax seal on back. – Ken

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    Troy

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    Himalayan mask with open eyes and nose

    July 14, 2019

    Tribal mask from Nepal Middle Hills

    September 7, 2017

    Colorful Mahakala from the Himalayas

    June 30, 2016
  • India & Himalayas

    India Monkey Mask

    August 20, 2021 / No Comments

    I think this mask came from the 1964 NY World Fair and it’s made of papier-mâché.

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    Troy

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    Turtle shells are a favorite in Tibet

    August 21, 2013

    Old, used mask from Nepal

    July 26, 2017

    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025
  • Europe

    European Theater Mask

    July 30, 2021 / No Comments

    Q: Any idea where this is from? I inherited it from an uncle who had it in the 1950’s. He was a frequent visitor to Paris and I suspect he bought it at the Flea Market there. It is 15″ tall to the top of the ears (which look like some kind of leather).

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    Troy

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    Swiss mask-maker talks about Das Domino

    January 23, 2018

    Chocalheiro mask from Portugal

    October 17, 2020

    Strange masks from Basque country

    May 15, 2019
  • Bali & Java

    Java Monkey Mask

    July 13, 2021 / No Comments

    Q:  I purchased this from an antique store for $75. Carved from a single piece of wood with a small purple gemstone inset on the forehead. Measures approximately 9 inches from forehead to chin, about 5.5 inches deep, and 5.5 inches across. Store owner said she purchased as part of a lot of masks from a collector at auction. Was labeled as possible exorcism mask from Nepal. – Shannon

    Read More
    Troy

    You May Also Like

    Petruk from East Java

    July 26, 2017

    Mahakala: The Multifaceted Protector Deity in Art and Ritual

    May 2, 2024

    Is this Balinese mask old?

    September 12, 2014
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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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