colorful masks

Light sage green gingham and flowers on pastel pink and turquoise inspire joy and hope. By Russamee Thepphanakit, three cotton face masks each have three layers, one of which opens so a filter can be inserted. The contoured masks feature elastic loops to slip over the ears; their length can be adjusted with a silicone disc. All three are washable and reusable. Filter pad not included.

Placement of the motifs can vary but the fabric will be the same.

A colorful cotton print depicts Ghana's traditional Edwene Asa kente design. The phrase means "all motifs are used up" in the Akan language, indicating the number of different patterns combined in this one. Each color in kente cloth has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, and white is purity.

Justina Botwey uses the fabric to craft a pair of beautiful contoured face masks. Lined in solid white, both are double-layered, washable and reusable, with elastic loops to slip over the ears. "To me, the combination of colors in this kente design indicates that, despite our differences, we are still one people," the artisan affirms.

The position of individual prints and colors will vary but the fabric will remain the same.

Bright and colorful, cross-stitch motifs cover two ivory cotton face masks. Designed by Radhika, both are lined to make two layers. They are washable and reusable, with elastic to slip over the ears.

Placement of the motifs can vary but the fabric will be the same.

Warm fields of color reveal ancient masks in abstract shapes. Working in virgin wool, Zosimo Laura weaves an exquisite rug with intricate patterns. He uses the warm hues favored by the Inca.

Titled "Composición de máscaras" in Spanish.

Woven by hand, this colorful accent rug depicts ceremonial masks on a scarlet background. Efrain Curi works in wool to create his dazzling design on the handloom. Pre-Hispanic geometric motifs around the edge depict Pacific waves.