cloth facemasks

Festive colors find a maximum contrast on black, in bright face masks from Mexico. Designed by Eduardo and Manuel, the pair is crafted of cambaya cloth, traditionally woven by hand in Michoacan. The word "Mexico" and geometric motifs are machine embroidered in this modern version of the fabric. Contoured for comfort, the masks are lined in white cotton muslin, are reusable and washable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

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

Inspired by the Independence Day celebrations in Mexico, Eduardo and Manuel select a vivid emerald green for this design. It is one of the colors of the Mexican flag. This pair of original face masks is crafted of cambaya cloth, traditionally woven by hand in Michoacan. Abstract motifs are machine embroidered in this modern version of the fabric. Contoured for comfort, the masks are lined in cotton muslin, are reusable and washable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

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

Balinese textile artisans, Hari and Arthur, present this trio of durable, protective, double-layer 100% cotton face masks. Each handcrafted mask features a distinctive traditional batik design in shades of indigo and sepia, and flat elastic ear loops for comfort.

Note: Wash in hot water with detergent before using for the first time.

Nell uses Java's cotton lurik fabric for a set of three face masks in rich colors. Lurik is a traditional hand-spun, handwoven textile once reserved for the use of rice farmers, who were much respected. Vertical stripes in two color combinations complement a third mask in golden brown. Contoured for comfort, the double-layer masks are washable and reusable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

Nell uses Java's cotton lurik fabric for a set of three face masks in different shades of blue. Lurik is a traditional hand-spun, handwoven textile once reserved for the use of rice farmers, who were much respected. Vertical stripes in two color combinations complement a third mask in solid blue. Contoured for comfort, the double-layer masks are washable and reusable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

Identified by ritual scarring on the face, this handsome youth is a member of the Mossi people who live in Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. Applications of white clay create an aged, antique effect while a cap of Ghanaian kente cloth adds color. Winfred Korley carves this elegant African mask by hand.

By Juan and Carolina, this mask is carved from pinewood to adorn you wall with the beauty of Guatemala. The face of a wolf is painted by hand with the images of colorful birds and flowers. The designs on the left side of the wolf's face are diligently carved by hand in relief. Say the artisans, "In these masks, we want to depict the Guatemalan flora and fauna, combining them with the colors of our traditional textiles."

A colourful 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 colour 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 colours in this kente design indicates that, despite our differences, we are still one people," the artisan affirms.

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