fun facemasks

Bali's Wahyu Sulistiani presents this trio of face masks, crafted from 100% cotton and hand-stamped in a traditional batik motif. The contoured masks feature two layers of fabric and elastic ear loops for comfort.

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.

Christopher Nyasafo replicates the legendary Kwele mask with a feast of colors. This style of mask is from the Kwele people in Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo and features two long horns that encircle the face with a heart-shaped aura. The masks are regarded as highly protective and are controlled by the Bwete Association, who maintains social order. They are used in ceremonies which promote well-being and community. Nyasafo carves the sese wood wall mask by hand and paints it brown, yellow, green, red and grey.

A butterfly alights on the face of a beautiful woman with scarlet lips. Or perhaps it is two birds, facing each other as if in a test of wills. By Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya, the enigmatic hibiscus wood mask is painted by hand. It poses on a stand of guagule wood.

A brilliant painted wood box opens to reveal handcrafted masks. Used during the Carnival celebrations preceding Lent, they show an astonishing array of animals, human and fantasy faces. Alejandro Chávez displays them in a traditional diorama, known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled by hand.