cool masks

With a face like a teddy bear, the koala is a charming resident of Australia. Nengah Sudarsana carves a delightful mask that realistically captures the marsupial's soft fur and bright eyes. Sculpted of albesia wood, it is meticulously painted by hand.

With imagination and skill, Komang Sulaksana of Bali brings to us this detailed and fierce mask representing Barong Bangkal, or the "Great Boar," a guardian god of Bali. He is celebrated on the holidays known as Galungan and Kuningan; a lot of pork is consumed while the Barong is paraded around for protection. The grey finish gives the mask an antique feeling, and the carvings etched into the face bring this god to life. Perhaps it will guard your home, too.

By Desak Nyoman Parwati, three elegant rayon face masks are covered with lace. A favorite with fashionable Balinese women, lace is the fabric of choice for the kebaya, a short jacket worn over a top. Beadwork and embroidery, all applied by hand, add a touch of feminine glamour. Contoured for comfort, the double-layer set features one in white, one in black and one in neutral grey. They are washable and reusable, and have elastic to loop over the ears.

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

Colorful cotton lends a casual style to contoured face masks by Jamriang. Navy blue plaid and grey stripes are fashioned into large masks while a pastel green check and lime green striped fabric make smaller masks. Each one has three layers of fabric as well as a double layered cotton lining with an opening so you may insert a protective layer of tissue or paper towels. All are both washable and reusable, and feature elastic to loop over the ears.

Colorful cotton lends a casual style to contoured face masks by Jamriang. Grey checks and charcoal plaid are fashioned into large masks while colorful dotted stripes on cream and sky blue striped fabric make smaller masks. Each one has three layers of fabric as well as a double layered cotton lining with an opening so you may insert a protective layer of tissue or paper towels. All are both washable and reusable, and feature elastic to loop over the ears.