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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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    Caiman mask from Guererro, Mexico

    May 26, 2018

    Black-faced mask from Mexico

    July 21, 2015

    Old decorative mask from Guerrero

    June 24, 2019
  • 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

    Time for a reality check: The Truth Behind Your Treasured Mexican Mask

    August 4, 2023

    Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?

    March 7, 2025
  • 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

    Dayak hudoq mask

    April 11, 2019

    Classic Javanese dance mask

    May 25, 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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    Male version of Chi Wara headdress

    June 30, 2017

    Suku helmet mask from Congo

    October 20, 2020

    Bembe circumcision mask

    June 13, 2017
  • 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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    From the remote areas of Indonesia

    August 23, 2013

    Mudman mask from PNG

    July 27, 2016

    PNG Yam Mask

    April 28, 2016
  • 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

    Read More
    Troy

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    Rare mask from Indian Himalayas

    June 13, 2020

    Famous 10-headed King Ravana

    September 10, 2013

    Kali masks from India

    April 26, 2018
  • 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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    Colorful Mahakala from the Himalayas

    June 30, 2016

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

    April 22, 2025

    A Magic Dragon from the Himalayans

    July 30, 2014
  • 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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    Bulgarian kukeri masks

    December 5, 2018

    Tschaggatta mask from Swiss Alps

    March 13, 2018

    Turnips fly at the Jarramplas Festival

    January 22, 2015
  • 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

    Indonesian dance mask for the poor

    September 18, 2018

    Cululuk, a witch from Bali

    July 27, 2018

    Buying masks can be tricky

    September 10, 2016
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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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