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Masks

1,325 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

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Masks by Region

Central American Masks

Masks by Material

Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

Wood mask, 'Butterfly Smile'

Mile high

Jun 18, 2018

Wondeful mask

This is the first item I've purchased from this artist but, I will be back for more. The craftmanship is great. I loved this mask when I saw it online but, in person it is even more beautiful. To think someone has such great talent, I'm jealous, The workmanship and coloring are absolutely exquisite. As you can probably tell I'm one happy camper with my purchase and want more of his work and will get in the future. Please don't hesitate to purchase from this artist he's fantastic.

#Paintedmask #Paintedfaces

African wood mask, 'Third Eye'

Sally

Nov 27, 2024

Exceptional artistry

This mask is small, just like it says. It was a gift for my brother and he loved it. The little bit of metal made it so different. All over a perfect mask..

Masks

Ghanaian wood mask, 'Kokobene Luck'

Kimberly

May 31, 2017

Two beautiful masks

I was unprepared for how beautiful these masks are (Be Patient and Kokobene Luck). They were purchased to hang on a wall in the main living area and they bring a sense of joy to the space. They help tie together other high quality African art that is scattered around a very open area.

African Mask

Carving

Ghana Gifts

Gorgeous Ghanaian Wood Mask

Handcrafted

Large African Mask

Large Mask

Metal

Perfect Mask Collection

Smart.

Featured Artist

Angel Ceron Artisan Association Ceramic replicas and figurines

(261)

"Now that I'm retired, I can dedicate my time to my great passion – representing my pre-Hispanic cultural heritage."

UpdateSadly, we lost Angel Ceron to cancer in 2022, at the age of 69. The master artisans with whom he worked closely (Angel names them each below)... 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.