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Masks

300 items

Explore NOVICA's Gallery of Masks. For centuries, masks have appeared in many guises. From burial ceremonies to religious celebrations, and from theatrical productions to carnival disguises, they have captivated the beholder. As you explore our collection, you'll discover unique traditional and contemporary masks handcrafted by global artisans in materials ranging from jade to papier mache and from hand-carved woods to leather.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

How do you decorate your home with masks?||How do you decorate your home with masks?

Masks have long been used ashome dcor, especially for the eclectic and worldly decorator. Theyre a thoughtful way to tell a story, bring depth...... read more

Top Mask Categories

Masks by Region

Central American Masks

Masks by Material

Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

Wood mask, 'Three Best Friends'

Tangala

Aug 26, 2017

gorgeous

this mask is beautiful. intricately carved. i've wanted it for a long time. happy with my purchase!

Masks

Wood mask, 'Life of a Leaf'

Robynne

Apr 30, 2024

JUST LOVELY AND SO UNUSUAL

THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE - WELL MADE AND SO DIFFERENT. ARRIVED QUICKLY AND PACKAGED VERY WELL. WILL MAKE AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO A FAMILIY WHO COLLECTS MASKS.

Masks

Wood mask, 'Maya Jaguar'

John

Jun 19, 2016

Great Carving

We purchased three of these magnificently carved masks from the same artist. They are in a hallway as an introduction to our Guatemala room. I was a volunteer in Guatemala for two years, teaching English. I love the indigenous cultures there and these masks are a fine representation of indigenous art.

A Gift !!

Animal Masks

Carved Mask

Crafts From Around The World

Featured Artist

Made Tresna Hand-carved wood masks

(30)

"My favorite piece is a mask with four faces that I designed as symbol of a Balinese family."

"My name is Made Tresna, and I'm from Ubud, Bali. I grew up in an artistic environment - I was always in touch with many artists and artisans... read more

Mask Carver Aziz Dreams of a Craft Training Center

When you dream, dream big that was the saying on my mind as I listened to Abdul Aziz Mohamadu talking about... read more

Erasmus Philip Ahorlu Wishes to Share His Success

As the year draws to a close, we asked West African woodcarver, Erasmus Philip Ahorlu, how he celebrated his... read more

A Love Story – Rita and Joe

Rita and Joe were busy working on an order from NOVICA when we drove into the lovely spread at the outskirts... read more

Creative Cultural Masks Turn Homes Into Museums

Creative cultural mask displays arent just for museums anymore. Visit almost any museum around the world and... read more

What One Guatemalan Woodcarver Can Teach Us About the Real Causes of Immigration

To understand immigration, we need to understand the root causes that motivate people to leave their homes and... read more

More useful facts

Spotlight on African Masks

Historically, African masks were only to be worn by chosen or initiated people for special ceremonies related to such important events as war preparations, harvest, funerals, or hunting. Masks are believed to embody the spirit of an ancestor, and symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Carvers undergo many years of specialized apprenticeship until achieving mastery of the art. This is important to Novica master carvers, who proudly mention it in their biographies, for it means they have earned the honor to replicate ancestral masks, as well as to create original designs. Novica's extensive African Masks collection includes the work of talented master carvers such as George Asante, who chose to go to the Akuapim hills for his apprenticeship. He specializes in Ghanaian tribal masks, such as Ewe, Akan, Aburi, as well as Nigerian masks. Carver Walter Kuma has always been passionate about African artistry, which is why he became a master carver. His masks personify his pride in his country's traditions, and he hopes to instill that same passion in those who now apprentice with him. Daughter of a renowned master carver, Ellen Akosua Amoako is one of the few women in Ghana to be successful in a traditionally all-male art form. She masterfully replicates the unique stylizations of the Ewe tribe (Ghana), as well as the Senufo (Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso), and Grassland (Cameroon), amongst others.