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Masks

1,924 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?

Masks have long been used ashome dcor, especially for the eclectic and worldly decorator. Theyre a thoughtful way to tell a story, bring depth and texture to a wall, and complement the rest of your global style. They can also be used to... read more

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Central American Masks

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Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

African wood mask, 'Brown Kotoku'

Mary B.

Jun 12, 2017

Absolutely Love This Mask !

This is such a fun mask. It is small, but quality, funky, tribal and looks even better in real life. Thank you, I'm glad I purchased it.

Masks

African wood mask, 'Bambara Woman'

Diana

Dec 5, 2019

Adds beauty to my wall every time Iook at it.

This mask is very well done and is just beautiful. It also has a power about it that is very appealing. Thank you for your excellent craftsmanship.

Masks

Wood mask, 'Cili'

Yannick

Aug 1, 2024

Sehnsucht nach der Ferne

Während meines kürzlichem Urlaub auf Bali habe ich mich in die dort praktizierte Holzschnitzkunst verliebt. Masken haben mich besonders fasziniert. Leider blieb mir nicht genug Zeit, viel Kunstwerke dieser Art dort ausfindig zu machen und nach Hause zu bringen. Somit habe ich gesucht und gefunden. Dieses Meisterwerk sieht grandios aus und hilft dieses Veräumnis zu wett zu machen. Es steht keiner Schnitzerei, die in Ubud direkt verkauft werden im geringsten nach.

Indonesian Wood Carving!!

Mask Gallery!!

Mystical Masks!

Featured Artist

Awudu Saaed Hand-carved African masks and decor

(82)

"I was determined to make it and also be able to take care of my siblings. This inspired me to bear all these risks."

"I am a friendly but quiet person and, when I was a boy, I used to follow some friends back home after school. Their parents had a workshop where... 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

NOVICA artisan, Erasmus Philip Ahorlu, at work As the year draws to a close, we asked West African woodcarver... 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

Woodcarver Arturo Aj Canil of Guatemala To understand immigration, we need to understand the root causes that... read more

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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.