creative masks

With imagination and skill, Komang Sulaksana of Bali brings to us this detailed and fierce mask representing Barong Bangkal, or the "Great Boar," a guardian god of Bali. He is celebrated on the holidays known as Galungan and Kuningan; a lot of pork is consumed while the Barong is paraded around for protection. The grey finish gives the mask an antique feeling, and the carvings etched into the face bring this god to life. Perhaps it will guard your home, too.

Wearing the garb and vestments of priesthood, a Roman man with a full beard is depicted in this African mask from Ghana. Windred Korley creates this mask, carved by hand from sese wood and given a rustic finish.

Wearing a traditional hat with the image of a cross, a bishop is the subject of this African mask from Ghana. Created by Winfred Korley, this mask is hand-carved from sese wood, treated with a rustic finish in hues of black and red.

Made Tresna transforms the unique grain of hibiscus wood into a mask of powerful transcendence. It depicts the Trimurti, or Hindu Trinity, featuring Brahma, god of creation; Vishnu, god of life; and Shiva, god of destruction and reincarnation. By portraying the deities within one, Tresna honors the belief that the three in essence are one single divinity.

Hibiscus wood exhibits colors ranging from white to light gray, dark gray or even black heartwood. This natural occurrence can rarely be replicated, making each carving exceptionally unique. Please expect slight differences in wood grain color and distribution patterns. Theme and artistic quality remain the same.

Shiva and Parvati represent divine masculinity and femininity in traditional Hindu doctrine, symbolizing the union of universal forces and the spiritual search for love. Inspiring many with their sacred romance, this godly couple is today the protagonist of Made Tresna's newest creation. Working with hibiscus wood, the Balinese artisan creates this wood mask depicting both deities wearing their classic ornaments, which are also hand-painted in a yellow tone.

Three sides of one creation illustrate the concept of trinity, "the presence of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit," as Ghanaian artisan Ayoma Alhassan states. Working with dried calabash, Ayoma handcrafts this traditional African mask featuring three faces painted in a palette of black and red hues with a rustic finish that enhances its classic aura.

Patron of arts and sciences, Ganesha blesses every soul with a life full of success and free of obstacles. As a benevolent god, the deity is worshipped in diverse celebrations around the year, inspiring Made Mulyani to handcraft this acacia wood mask. Honoring Ganesha and his magnificence, the Balinese artisan creates an intricate artwork featuring the divinity wearing glamorous accessories, all painted by hand in a palette of golden and black hues that enhance the wood's natural color.