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Masks

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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

Masks by Material

Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

Wood mask, 'Barong Dance'

NANCY

Mar 19, 2022

Magnificent!

Barong is now busy protecting the house, frightening evil spirits but grinning heartily at the rest of us. He has added a colorful and life-enhancing presence that is a delight to encounter daily. After his arrival I particularly enjoyed watching Barong dance rituals on YouTube and highly recommend them to anyone contemplating ordering the mask since you’ll understand his significance and character better. Incidentally, I had no trouble hanging him on the wall with a tiny bit of ingenuity.

Dance and Music Masks

Balinese Traditional Carvings Masks

Barong Masks

Cultural Masks

Masks

Wood mask, 'Gleeful Smile'

Timothy

Apr 13, 2020

So Happy!

I have purchased a number of these beautifully carved and painted masks and I am so pleased with Mr. Gleeful. He exudes exactly the happy sentiment that I needed to add and I smile every time I see him. Such wonderful artistry. I am sure you would love him as much as I do!

A Beautiful Quality Mask

Masks

African mask, 'Safety and Security'

Theana

Jun 17, 2016

Beautiful art!

I have it displayed in a discreet corner of my main room and it has a commanding presence. Not too big, not small at all. Just right.

African Masks

African Wood Mask

Amazing Colorful Masks

Artisan Masks That Sybolize Safety And Security

Featured Artist

Christopher Nyasafo African masks, wood sculptures and djembe drums

(28)

"My favorite thing about this craft is making people happy with my creations."

Latest Update"The years I've been working with you have been my best years ever. I have seen a lot of marvelous changes in terms of my designing... 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.