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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.

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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Masks by Region

Central American Masks

Masks by Material

Recycled Material Masks

Featured Reviews

Ceramic mask, 'Colorful Ah Puch'

Bert

May 4, 2025

Beautiful mask

I was so sad to hear of Mr. Ceron’s passing. I am also very sorry for this overdue review for his gorgeous artwork. I have bought several of his pieces, and I genuinely cherish all of them. I will continue to buy these most remarkable and highly valued pieces of art from his family of great artists and craftsmen.

A Different Decor

A Favorite Mask

A Gift For An Artist.

Amazing

Gift For Film Maker!!

Mayan Art

African wood mask, 'Jabu'

Shalisha

Aug 9, 2017

Amazing piece, well worth the money

I bought this as a house warming gift for a friend. Perfect addition to her new home. The colors are vibrant, very well made. Absolutely beautiful piece.

Joy

Masks

African wood mask, 'Face of Happiness'

Marsha

Apr 9, 2023

Another Winner!

Very striking color combination. The detail that appears looks similar to netting. This mask blends well with the Stunning-Amahle wood-mask I previously purchased.

Beautiful Combination Of Metals

Interesting Color Combination.

Masks

Featured Artist

Gunadi Wood batik centerpieces and ornaments

(56)

"In Java... batik is closely associated with traditional ceremonies. There are philosophies contained in the art of batik."

Update 2023"I was born into an artisan family — that's why I decided to work in wood batik, especially since this job also provides income for my... 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.