Mask Collection

You can find traditional masks in many countries of the world. The history of masks goes back almost to the beginning of known times. Many societies have used masks for different reasons: as a form of disguise, to protect the face, to communicate with supernatural beings and gods, to celebrate the beginning of adulthood, to pray for rain and fertile crops, or in ceremonies when a person dies and passes to an afterlife. Masks usually represent supernatural beings, ancestors, and fanciful or imagined figures, and they can also be portraits. The mask wearer becomes a sort of medium that allows for a dialogue between the community and the spirits (usually those of the dead or nature-related spirits). Masked dances are a part of many traditional cultural ceremonies related to weddings, funerals, initiation rites, and many other occasions. In some countries, masks are used in theatre, while others are worn during festivals.

When I visit a country that I know has masks, I try to find a native, vintage, handmade one that represents the culture of the area. I have been very successful during my travels in locating and purchasing masks from the locals. I have avoided purchasing those made for the tourist, but will on occasion pick one up that is interesting or unique to hang in my house. Some of the "tourist" masks are handmade and hand-painted and unique and for that reason, I may pick one up.

The walls of my house are now lined with dozens of masks that bring color to the walls and serve as a constant reminder of the many people and cultures of my travels.

Puerto Rico, Carnival Mask (Loiza)

Historically seen at the Santiago Apóstol festival in Loíza, the masks used are the vejigante, caballeros, viejos, and locas styles. The vejigantes are evil spirits that represent the Moors who fought against the Christians during the reign of Santiago Apóstol.

The vejigante masks of Loíza are made of coconut husks. The facial expressions are grotesque and exaggerated, and in general, have three to five horns on the front and sides of the mask. Traditionally, they were painted red, green, and yellow, but today a wide variety of brilliant colors is used. The vejigante masks of Loíza show some similarity to the masks made in West Africa, from where most of the black slave population once came.

Guatemala, Torito, Bull Mask ( wood )

Bull masks are used in the traditional Toritos dance, as well as the Patzcar dance. You can find a lot of them coming from the mountains of Guatemala.

Guatemala and the southern Mexican state of Chiapas have some dances and dance characters in common, probably due to their shared history and Toritos masks can be found in both cultures.

GUATEMALA

MALAWI

The Chewa people of central Malawi have retained one of the continent's great masking traditions, Gule Wamkulu (Great Dance). In Malawi, the masked dancers and the Nyau society which produces the masks and performs the dance, are subjects that are ever present in Chewa society, but which are cause for much controversy in modern Malawi. The secrets surrounding the Nyau society and masks place a distance between members of the society and those outside the society.

Nyau membership involves an initiation into society. Only men are allowed to wear and make masks. Their identity is hidden by their masks during ceremonies.

Malawi

Chewa Nyau, and Ngoni tribal masks

(Wood)

With the permission of the tribal chief, I was able to purchase this directly from the tribe in their small village that still used it in their ceremonies.

Based on their description, this mask was worn to inform the tribal members of the death of a chief. I guess the chief allowed this one to be sold, thinking he was in good shape!

This mask and the blue one below both have hoods attached to the mask allowing its wearer to cover their entire head and shoulders. Materials also surround both masks and are made of strips of old clothes adding to the size and color of both.

When I visited the Salima region of Malawi I was fortunate to meet several men who carved masks. I informed them that I wanted the "real ones", not the ones they made for tourists. They eventually brought several and "modeled" for me! One of them placed this mask on and began to beat the drum and call... Worked for me. Great marketing! It now hangs in my house! These masks are hard to come by, how lucky was I?

MALAWI

Malawi,

Chewa Nyau and Ngoni tribal masks

(Wood)

With the permission of the tribal chief, I was able to purchase this directly from the tribe in their small village that still used it in their ceremonies. Based on their description, this mask was used to call the villagers to a meeting after a chief died to choose their next chief.

This mask and the one above both have hoods attached to the mask, allowing their wearers to cover their entire head and shoulders. Materials also surround both masks and are made of strips of old clothes adding to the size and color of both.

FYI:

MALAWI - MOZAMBIQUE

These two fellows were walking down the middle of the street in a small town on the Malawi/Mozambique border. The Nyau of the Chewa can be considered the most elaborate of the secret societies and dances in areas around Lake Malawi.

The people in the village took care to avoid them, and I was to learn that they belonged to a cult tribe called the Nyau. I stopped my truck and was able to take a few photos. Although unable to get these masks, I share them with you and share an interesting moment of my time in this area.

VENEZUELA

Venezuela, Carnival Mask ( Paper Mache )

Barquismeto, Venezuela

Inside label description:

Taller de Artesanias Teatales, El Otro Lado del Espejo Barquisimeto, Venezuela Hecho a Mano

English Translation:

Theatrical Workshop, The Other Side of the Mirror

Barquismeto, Venezuela

Hand Made

I purchased this mask in the '80s while in Caracas, about 180 miles from Barquismeto.

VENEZUELA, Vintage Carnival (Gourd)

It is not often that you find something from Venezuela. I came across the blue mask pictured above while I was visiting the country and purchased the one to the right at auction.

The one to the right is probably a mask made for carnival tourists many years ago. It was advertised as a vintage tribal mask but I am not able to confirm this. But for $2.50, I don't think that it matters much! It is very colorful and indicates on the front that it is from Venezuela. It is beautifully hand-painted on what looks and feels to be a large gourd. It is an outstanding work of local art and is in great condition.

I have several "art" mask pieces that I treasure and are part of the collection. Anytime I can find what I deem a handmade, hand-painted, or hand-crafted piece, I try to add it to my collection.

Some may have been made for a tourist sale or folk art but as a handmade item, they reflect the customs and art of the time. Knowing that someone in a village earned money for their work, whether it had been a fine craftsman, an ancient artist, or a more contemporary one I consider it worthwhile and enjoy collecting them too. If it looks and feels like a mask and is colorful and well done, I like it!

VENEZUELA

Mexico

Mexico, Aztec 3 Stages of life mask

Ceramic

The mask has three layered faces, each representing one particular stage of life. The inner face represents the beginning of life at birth. The middle face is the most important one since it represents the adult stage when the person comes to his full potential and most of his life experiences happen. The outer or third layer represents the afterlife.

More decorative art than mask

Cameroon Tribal Passport Mask

Tikar ethnic tribe, used as passports by tribes traveling from one tribal area to another. Tribal peoples who travel away from home carry these for protection. Each mask represents a different tribe. These brilliantly painted clay masks are about the size of your palm. Several are a bit worn but still beautiful.

A friend from Cameroon left these in a box on my doorstep as a gift for me one day! Thanks, Elizabeth!

China, Szechuan Opera Mask

Character Masks

( Paper Mache )

The masks used in Chinese opera may be a mystery to outsiders, but to lovers of Chinese opera who are familiar with Chinese arts, one look and they can easily identify the character and even the role that the character will play in the opera.

The secret? Knowing what the colors represent.

I purchased these masks as representations of the masks I had seen in the Szechuan Opera performance that evening. Colorful, hand-painted, and very beautiful.

China, Szechuan Opera Mask

Character

( Paper Mache )

China, Szechuan Opera Mask

Character

( Paper Mache )

China, Szechuan Opera Mask Character

( Paper Mache )

Beijing Opera Character Mask

China, Szechuan Opera Mask

Character

( Paper Mache )

Bahamas, ( Paper Mache )

A nice tourist find. More decorative art than mask

Honduras, Maya Deer Mask, (Wood)

To the Maya people, the deer is the most intelligent creature of all and represents the purity of the forests.

NEPAL

Nepal, Bhairab Mask ( Ceramic )

Used in an ancient masked dance performed by the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley as part of the Indra Jatra festival and named after Bhairab ( Bhairava, an aspect of Shiva ).

Honduras, (Ceramic), Made by Lenca Tribe in southwest Honduras.

Depending on the selected clay and the utilization of pine smoke during firing, the finished pottery ranges in distinctive dark hues, with color and design with the most common combination being black and white. Known and prized for pottery, occasionally you can find a handmade mask like this one.

The Lenca women, who are the skilled artisans of this clay mask apply their preserved techniques from pre-Columbian times, handed down through generations from mother to daughter.

While the men typically work in surrounding coffee fields, the income generated by the sale of the women’s art provides continuity of tribal life. Unlike many other indigenous tribes without a means to sustain their culture, the Lenca proudly relish their heritage and their art, which allows them the freedom to continue their tribal life without being forced to emerge into a subservient or poverty-stricken lifestyle.

Including this mask, I was lucky to find several beautiful pottery bowls and vases that now adorn my home.

HONDURAS

TUNISIA

Tunisia, (Leather Mask) Nabeul, Souk

The Touareg are Imazighen "Berber" people with a traditionally nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. They are the principal inhabitants of the Saharan interior of North Africa.

More decorative art than a mask, Hand Painted

Ghana, (Wood), Planting Moon

Ashanti Tribe

Worn by the fetish priest during their planting season to invoke the spirits of rain.

The Ashanti mask comes from the Akan people group in Ghana. While the masks are beautiful, there is more history to them than meets the eye! African masks like these are often part of ceremonial costumes and are used in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors. The masks are believed to bridge the gap between the spiritual realm and the physical realm, bringing the spirits of the ancestors and other entities to life through their usage. They are used in events such as initiation ceremonies and masquerade performances. The masks are brought to life through dance and the atmosphere of the occasion. Many times, the wearer of the mask would also wear an elaborate costume to conceal their identity and add to the mysticism of the mask.

GHANA

GUATEMALA

Guatemala, Yellow Maya Jaguar Mask

The Mayans believed that the jaguars protected the fields and mountains. They regarded the jaguar as a deity that they honored at the beginning of a harvest. According to Maya cosmogony, the jaguar is represented by the IX day of the Maya calendar. It symbolizes strength and vigor, as well as feminine and feline energies.

Hong Kong, Dragon/Lion Mask Paper Mache

This is a typical head mask used throughout Hong Kong and China during their ceremonies.

HONG KONG

CHINA

China, another mask most likely produced for tourists, but I liked it and the price was negotiable and reasonable. This one resembles a Tibetan mask.

Guatemala, Monkey Mask

I saw a similar one, pictured below, in use during a community welcoming ceremony when I was visiting the village of Rabinal Baja Verapaz in the north of Guatemala.

GUATEMALA

Ceremonial monkey mask used in a ceremony in the village of Rabinal Baja Verapaz in the north of Guatemala. I wish I could have taken this back to my house, but it was still being used by the community and I didn't dare to ask.

Cambodia, ( Paper Mache )

Sacred Monkey mask used in traditional Khmer Apsara ceremonies.

Decoratively painted and gilded papier-mache masks of dancers who enact the demon and monkey roles.

CAMBODIA

PUERTO RICO

Puerto RIco, Vejigante Carnival Mask ( Ponce )

The vejigante is a folkloric figure whose origins trace back to medieval Spain. In Puerto Rico, it took a new dimension with the introduction of African and native Taino cultural influence. The Taino contributed native elements to the most important part of the vejigante costume: the mask. The mask is known as the Careta. Made from papier-mache or coconut husks it typically sports a fearsome assortment of horns, fangs, and beaks, and is often polka-dotted. These masks are native to the Ponce area of Puerto Rico. I commissioned this mask to be made for me by a Puerto Rican woman from Ponce who is a known artist and maker of masks.

UGANDA, Tribal Mask

I was eating lunch outdoors in Jinja when I saw this mask hanging in an old shack at the end of the road. I later walked over and asked a woman who was near who this belonged to and she said it was her family's I asked her if it was for sale and she said yes and I bought it and returned to my lunch.

IVORY COAST, LIBERIA, SIERRA LEONE, Dan Tribal Mask

Dan masks have a typically high forehead, pouting mouth, and, a pointed chin. They may also have scarification marks as in this mask to the right. Dan masks are usually carved in wood and stained with a brown dye.

Dan masks are sacred objects. Dan masks are used for protection and as a channel for communication with the spirit world. The Dan also carry "passport masks" for personal protection when they are living away from home. The Dan are hunters and farmers whose territory stretches from the western part of the Ivory Coast into Liberia.

I purchased the mask in Sierra Leone, guessing it made its way there from Liberia, its eastern neighbor.

LIBERIA/SIERRA LEONE, Dan Tribal Mask

Purchased in an old two-story warehouse in downtown Freetown.

BOLIVIA

Bolivia, (balsa wood), Misiones Chiquitana Danza Los Abuelos

(Dance of the Grandparents)

Every year, from May 1 for three days, the grandparents of San José de Chiquitos take the streets of the town and dance, dance ... dance without stopping. Thus, they celebrate and pay religious homage, and relive their traditions. It is a dance in which they make fun of the 'white men'. The masks not only hide the faces of the dancers but also represent the Spaniards who came to the area of Chiquitos. This white mask represents a Spanish white man of high rank. I purchased this one in Santa Cruz.

Tanzania

I was gifted this mask by an old man whose son worked with the hotel I was staying in. The son, Banzi, and I had discussed during one of our trips the topic of tribal masks. Banzi was my driver, and as we drove one day, Banzi asked me if I wanted to see a mask his father had made. I said, of course, and we drove a short distance to their home near Kilimanjaro. Banzi's dad, Jaha, came out of his modest home and proudly held this mask in his hand. It was a simply carved piece of wood, but special as it was made by him. They offered it to me, and although I tried to offer it, they refused any money. With my new prize in hand, we sat outside their home on wooden stumps and drank some very good locally grown, Tanzanian Peaberry coffee!

A wonderful, primitive, hand-made, and generous gift that now hangs on my wall. I also named it Banzi! The teeth are from the local cows! A great memory, thanks Jaha.

TANZANIA

Honduras, Toucan Mask (wood)

This is really made for tourists. It is hand painted and done well. I liked it, and purchased it!

Guatemala, Red Maya Jaguar Mask (wood)

TIBET/NEPAL

Nepal, Beautiful wooden mask featuring a Tibetan Buddhist-style skull.

This one is possibly a Himalayan Buddhist Cham dance mask. The lowest level of skeleton dancers is the Ging. Ging are boy monks who dance in a basic costume and skull mask. They play a semi-comical character and have no skull diadem, ear decorations, or adornments of any kind. This is considered the entry level of skeleton dancers.

Bolivia, ( Leather) Mascara del Carnaval de Oruro La diablada

The Diablada or Dance de Diablos is a primeval, typical Andean masked dance. It is characterized by the mask and devil suit worn by the dancers. It is a typical dance from the region of Oruro, Bolivia. The dance is a mixture of the Spaniard's theatrical presentations and Andean religious ceremonies such as the Llama llama dance in honor of the Uru god Tiw (their protector in mines, lakes, and rivers). I was lucky to find this one afternoon while wandering in Santa Cruz.

BOLIVIA

CAMBODIA

Cambodia, Sacred Monkey Mask

( Paper Mache )

Decoratively painted papier-mache masks for dancers who enact the monkey roles.

Peru Carnival Mask

( Paper Mache with metal screen eyes )

I picked this one up in a vintage shop in Cusco. The shop had several nice traditional Peruvian masks, but the colors on this one couldn't be beaten!

PERU

INDONESIA

Indonesia, (wood)

Panji Merak - Peacock Princewood batik mask, dot art.

Lombak Island

Balinese Mask - Bird Mask from Bali, Indonesia Unfinished, Wood

Most masks from Indonesia are very colorful. This one is the classic shape of a Bird Mask that is made by local carvers and often sold as folk art to tourists. My next-door neighbors, Hadeel and her young son, Hamza were browsing in a local antique market when they came across it. They have been to my house many times and know my collection very well. They purchased this unfinished wooden mask and gave it to me as a gift one afternoon, and now it hangs as part of my collection. Thanks Hadeel and Hamza!

Indonesia

ITALY

Italy, Venetian Commedia Dell’arte Carnival Mask Zanni Straight Nose ( Paper Mache )

Commedia Dell’arte was a popular form of street theatre from Venice centuries ago. Each mask design is paired with a specific character based on its appearance and tradition. In the early days of Commedia dell'Arte, the Zanni mask used in the theatre was a full-face mask with a long nose. It developed from here into a half mask covering the upper half of the face only with an extended, long nose. The longer the nose on the mask, the more stupid the character was.

Lithuania, Shrove Tuesday Mask Wolf pelt

Shrove Tuesday is a Lithuanian folk celebration. In ancient times it was connected to the moon calendar celebrating the end of winter. During the celebrations, attention is concentrated on chasing away winter with all her evils.

Sort of a Medieval, European Mardi Gras.

This was a tough one to find and purchase but with some time and bartering while in Vilnius I was able to convince the owner to part with it.

LITHUANIA

Unfortunately, this ceramic mask fell off the wall into pieces!

MEXICO

Mexico, Mayan, ( Heavy Ceramic )

Received as a gift from a friend and colleague's parents, who are from Mexico. Thank you, Illiana

Unfortunately, this mask fell and broke into pieces. Fortunately, I have this photo to remind me of it.

Canada, British Columbia ( Possible Reproduction )

First Peoples Tribal Mask, "Shark" (wood)

Reproduction of an original Coast Salish Tribal piece, representing a shark. These types of masks were used in a type of theater in the longhouses during winter.

I purchased this in Santa Fe in an old store on the outskirts of town. The man who sold it to me didn't know what it was and said he thought that it was from Indonesia. When I looked at it, I knew it wasn't an Indonesian mask but instead a possible reproduction, possibly made in Indonesia, of the Shark, used by the Coast Salish aboriginal people in Canada. Either way, it still is a nice mask, a good representation of similar masks, and the price was right!

FIRST PEOPLES CANADA

PERU

Peru, Diablo (Devil ) Carnival Mask ( Paper Mache ) Cusco

Romania

Romanian Old Man mask, a traditional mask from the Romania/Moldova region.

Sheep wool and fabric.

Romanians used masks in rituals concerned with fertility, rainfall, hunting, and for initiations in ancient times. Today they are still used to represent characters from folk mythology at special holidays such as Christmas and New Year's, or for important life events like weddings or deaths. Only men wear them. It is forbidden to say the name of the person under the mask.

While in Romania, I asked a friend to look for an old mask that I could purchase and take home. He explained that they were difficult to find and generally were in very bad shape. After I left, and a few months later he found one that needed some restoration. After a few weeks, it had a restored nose, eye, and mouth, completed by local villagers, where masks were used. Hard to find, but this one is a new treasure. Thanks to my colleague and friend, Calin!

ROMANIA/MOLDOVA

CONGO

Congo, with Raffia Beard

Lega sorcerer from Congo-Kinshasa (formerly Zaire)

Alaska ( caribou hide, fox or wolf hair)

Old Man

Vintage Anactuvick Pass mask, Nomadic Nunamiut tribe. Made from caribou hide, fox, or wolf hair.

Caribou skin masks by the Nunamiut Eskimo of Anaktuvuk Pass, the pass area is a city in the North Slope, nestled in the heart of the Brooks Range.

The Numamiut Eskimo tribe has been making skin masks by a technique that they invented, casting wet caribou skins on wooden molds. The hair is hand sewn from the back using caribou tendon.

NATIVE UNITED STATES

ALASKA ( caribou hide, fox or wolf hair)

OLD WOMAN

I was able to find a match for my first Nunamiut Eskimo of Anaktuvuk. These are generally difficult to find in good condition, and when I saw this one, I quickly negotiated a fair price and purchased it. The hide is a bit more pliable than my other one, but the hand-stitched hair is a work of art. This one has very intricate eyelashes!

Again, the price was right, and this one is in very good condition. Now I have two beautiful, vintage, hand-made, classic Eskimo masks in my collection!

Honduras, Monkey Mask

To the ancient Maya, monkeys were the patrons of dancers, musicians, and artists.

HONDURAS

UNITED STATES

United States, Mardi Gras "Courir" ( wire screen, cloth )

The Courir de Mardi Gras, also known as the Course de Mardi Gras, celebrated in Cajun Southwest Louisiana, in Mamou, is one of the state's unique folk celebrations. The wire screen mask is a key element in rural Louisiana pre-Lenten festivities.

I was able to purchase a traditional, handmade, vintage Mardi Gras "Courir" style screen mask from Acadiana, the true Cajun region where the unique Mardi Gras is celebrated. The seller had shared with me that she was 99% sure that it was made by Georgie Manuel, a Louisiana treasure known for this type of mask. I was able to contact the Manuels and speak with Georgie. I shared a photo of the mask with her and here was Georgie's reply,

"Vincent:

The mask is indeed one of ours, albeit a little shop worn from the looks of the picture."

Georgie and Allen Manuel

Another great find!

Nepal, Shaman Sherpa Wise man, (wood)

This mask was from the northern regions of Nepal in the Himalayas. It represents the ethnic group Sherpa's Shaman or wise man. Hand-carved from wood with animal fur for hair.

The hat is from the northern areas of Nepal. I bought it in the same little store outside of Pokhara and just added it to this mask. The shop owner said it was an old Shaman's hat, which works for me!

NEPAL

NICARAGUA

Nicaragua Carnival Mask (Goat)

Handmade Paper Mache

I bought this at a great price in a small mall that sells vintage items. The owner did not know its story or its origin, so he gave me a very good price.

It is hand-made, hand-painted. and hand-stitched. The "ears" are made of plastic and sewn on, and the eyes have metal wire mesh inserts that are stitched in place. My first guess was that it was a Latin American Carnival mask, and I later learned that I was in the right ballpark.

I contacted Bob Ibold, author of Masks of the World, and noted expert on masks. He identified this mask as being from Nicaragua.

Also known as the Mask Man here is his response to my question regarding its origin, "Your thinking in the right direction. Carnival masks from Nicaragua can vary a lot, but most of them are made of firm papier mache and the eye holes are protected with metal screen. I don’t see the eye protection in other Latin American and Caribbean cultures. ... Are these people extra careful, or are their carnivals uncontrollably exuberant? " If you are interested in more expert reviews check out Bob's website, masksoftheworld.com

Artist's "Mood" mask. Purchased at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

I don't know the origin or significance of this mask, but it was a handmade mask of paper mache and the quality was very good. There were several for sale in different colors. The masks were connected to a past exhibit. Inside the mask, you can see the scraps of paper that were used in the making of the paper mache. There are some interesting pieces that have Hindi scripts on them. It may also be one of the 22 languages of India. I haven't yet been able to identify the language, though. It was labeled in English to be a "mood" mask. I liked the workmanship and the vivid red color, so I purchased it! My guess is India.

SPAIN Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

On the right is a photo of the inside of the mask. As you can see it is made from paper. I do not know the language it is written in, which probably would indicate where it was made. In the middle left edge is a date of 2017, which gives me an idea that it was sometime between 2017 and 2018. I purchased it in 2019. I now believe that it is Hindi, so there is even a bit more confusion regarding the origin of the mask. My guess, probably made in India for the exhibit, then sold at the museum. Does anyone recognize the language?

MEXICO

Mexico, Day of the Dead Skull Mask (wood)

Vintage Mexican Carved Wood Mask, Mexican Folk Art Wood Skull Mask, Festival Mask, Dance Mask.

This is a very common skull mask. Mexicans sometimes display them in their home around the Day of the Dead.

Japanese Traditional Gyodo Mask

(Demon) "ONI"

Material: dry lacquer on clay. Hand Painted

Oni ( 鬼おに ) are a kind of yōkai, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with one or more horns growing out of their heads.

Samurai Noh Kabuki Kagura Bugaku

JAPAN

KOREA

KOREA, Hahoetal masks (河回탈 및 屛山탈) Hand Carved Wood

Yangban, the aristocratic character. Laughing Old Man

This is a unique mask in that it has two pieces held together with a cord. It enables the jaw to move to add a new dimension to my mask collection.

It is one of the traditional Korean masks worn in the Hahoe Pyolshin-gut t'al nori ceremony dating back to the 12th century. It represents a traditional character in the ritual dance dramas included in the ceremony. The masks originated in the Hahoe village and Byeongsan village, north Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. They are counted among the treasures of South Korea. The Hahoetal masks are considered to be among the most beautiful and well-known images representing Korean culture.

Yangban (the aristocrat): The character with the most power, and therefore the object of extreme mockery in the plays. The eyes are painted closed, with deep dark eyebrows and wrinkles surrounding them. The chin is a separate piece from the top of the mask, and the actors can lean forward and back to make the mask smile or frown as needed.

KOREA Hahoetal masks (河回탈 및 屛山탈) Hand Carved Wood

Punae/Bune the concubine character: Punae is a forward and sexual character, appearing in the plays as the concubine of either the scholar or the aristocrat. The mask is symmetrical and made of one solid piece of wood. She has a very small mouth with red rouged lips, cheeks, and forehead. Her eyes are closed, and she has a general look of happiness and good humor. The mask is constructed with black hair painted on the top of her head and 2 cords/strings hanging from the sides of the mask.

This mask has small holes ranging from the upper chin across the top and around again. The character would have a hood attached to the mask and wear it over its head covering the entire head.

KOREA

Punae/Bune the concubine character at the Andong Mask & Dance Festival held each year in Korea.

Thai Ceremonial Beast

THAILAND

THAILAND, Vintage "Demon" Mask

Hand-carved wood

Most likely carved for the tourist trade in the 70's. Based on Thai traditional ceremonial tribal character the demon or beast. I saw similar ones while I was in Bangkok in "antique" shops at tourist prices. I purchased this one on eBay for just a few dollars, liked the patina color, and bought it for my very eclectic collection. I guess that it is at least 50 years old (2023).

GHANA Bird of Paradise/Wisdom

Ashanti Tribal

These masks were used in a wide range of social and spiritual ceremonies. The masks are believed to connect the spiritual realm and the physical realm. The masks are used in dancing and bring joy to ceremonies.

Vintage hand-carved from Ghanaian Sese Wood

GHANA

JAPAN

Gift from Kazuki & Sho

JAPAN "TENGU"

Ceramic

The tengu is a creature from Japanese mythology that is said to have both human and bird features. Tengu is typically depicted with a bright red face, a long nose, pointed ears, huge eyebrows, and wings.

The Tengu is another frightening mask. However, they are not monsters or demons. Tengu are believed to be brave demi-gods who are the protectors and saviors of the mountains.

Tengu masks are depicted with red faces and angry expressions, with a long-pointed nose. This is because, in the past, Tengu were believed to be more bird-like; however, as they became more human-like, their features changed, but their nose stayed the same.

This mask with its crimson face and frightening look is very common in Japanese folklore. And with its long red nose, it is easily recognizable!

Considered to be both a yokai and a kami (Japanese deity), this Japanese war-heralding demon embodies the spirit of the mountain, much feared by the Japanese.

Tengu masks are very popular in Noh theater as well as for Shinto celebrations. In Japan, if you are told to be "a Tengu" means that you are particularly pretentious.

JAPAN "Kabuki"

Ceramic

miniature

The traditional Japanese masks occupy an important place in Japanese culture. In the Kabuki theater, they are used to embody characters, such as demons, or to translate expressions, such as anger.

Each mask has its own meaning.

Even nowadays, traditional masks are still used by theater actors or Shinto dancers. You might also spot them in shrines or during the many Japanese festivals that punctuate the country.

JAPAN

Gift from Kazuki & Sho

Caretos de Podence, Leather Portugal

The masks from Podence are the Careto masks, a unique type of wooden or leather mask worn during the annual Carnival of Podence festival in Portugal. These distinctive masks feature a pointed nose and are often adorned with a bestial or striking appearance. The tradition is thought to have pre-Roman, Celtic origins and is a designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

I was fortunate to have found one and purchased it on my visit to Portugal.

Updated slideshow of my mask collection.

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