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Masks

1,472 items

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.

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Featured Reviews

I LOVE MASKS, and this one is a great addition to my collection

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I adore the whimsy of the carved mask, the black and white with bright colored accents. He is delightful.

Carolyn

Jul 21, 2016

Peace Mask

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I gave this as a gift to my parents. They have it displayed proudly on their living room wall. It looks very beautiful with their new decor.

Kathie

Oct 24, 2020

So happy with this mask

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I love the dimensions of this mask. Substantial but not overpowering. The bead colors are not quite as bright as pictured but really close. The metal work is superb. Overall gorgeous. I was particularly impressed by the packaging. Coming from Africa, the mask was first wrapped in Kraft wrapping paper, taped at each end, then a second same type wrapping. It was placed in a strong cardboard box that was just the size of the wrapped mask and didn't allow for movement inside. Definite pride by the craftsperson.

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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.

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