Question 1

What are Javanese masks?

Accepted Answer

Javanese masks are wooden masks that are used in traditional Indonesian dance and theatrical performances. They are called topeng and the traditional dance is called the tari topeng. Browse a collection of authentic Javanese masks from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is an Indonesian mask?

Accepted Answer

There are a few different types of Indonesian masks. One type, the Balinese mask, was created to house spirits and energies and used as a medium to help ancestral spirits to pass through this world. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of Indonesian masks from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 3

Why did they do death masks?

Accepted Answer

Death masks were a way to cover the face of a passed loved one and show honor to them. They also represented the features of the deceased, helping them be recognized in the spirit realm. On 1stDibs, find an array of death masks.

Question 4

What are Bali masks called?

Accepted Answer

Bali masks are called Topeng. Balinese performers wear different ones to portray various characters. For example, Barong symbolizes health and good luck and is a representation of a creature called keket. You'll find a variety of decorative masks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What are the features of a Senufo mask?

Accepted Answer

Senufo masks are carved wooden helmets which are worn over the whole head, used as tradition in a funeral to honor a Senufo person. The mask features a small, delicate face, with geometric details along the side. There are also ornate patterns carved into the surface of the mask. Shop a collection of Senufo masks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a fencing mask called?

Accepted Answer

Fencing masks can be called epee masks and sabre masks. Epee masks are for beginners and sabre masks are for competitive fencers. Find a collection of antique and vintage fencing masks on 1stDibs today.

Question 7

What were death masks called?

Accepted Answer

A death mask is called a “funerary mask” or “burial mask”. The mask was often made of wood or stucco and would cover the face of the deceased. You’ll find a collection of funerary masks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Are fencing masks bulletproof?

Accepted Answer

No, fencing masks are not bulletproof. Fencing masks are a layer of metal wire mesh that protects your head and face during fencing but should not be considered protective under other circumstances. Shop a selection of vintage fencing masks and other sports memorabilia on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the purpose of Venetian masks?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of Venetian masks was originally related to the observance of the Carnival festival in Venice. People wore masks to disguise their identities during the fun. Today, people tend to use the masks as decorations. Find a range of Venetian masks on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What were Egyptian masks called?

Accepted Answer

Egyptian masks are normally just called death masks because they were used during funeral rituals. Some historians refer to them as funerary masks. To create the mask, Egyptian artisans used papyrus or linen soaked in plaster. The material is known as cartonnage. You'll find a variety of Egyptian masks on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Where is Napoleon's death mask?

Accepted Answer

It is believed that Napoleon's death mask still resides in The Museum in Santiago de Cuba.

Question 12

What are biombo masks used for?

Accepted Answer

Biombo masks are used during rituals and ceremonies. The masks share their name with the Biombo people, who live along the Luaka and Kasai rivers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of African masks.

Question 13

What are Venetian masks called?

Accepted Answer

Venetian masks are an essential part of the Venetian Carnival, a celebration that dates back to the 1300s. Venetian masks generally fall under two categories: carnival masks and commedia dell’arte (comedy of artists). Commedia dell’arte masks were usually worn by troupe performers and helped identify the type of character the actor portrayed. Carnival masks were typically worn by everyone else and obscured the wearer’s identity. Find a range of Venetian masks on 1stDibs.

Question 14

When was the Senufo mask made?

Accepted Answer

Senufo masks are still made by the Senufo of northern Côte d’Ivoire. These masks and other traditional art plays a large role in the Poro, a society guided by a female ancestral spirit and run by men who are taught the ways of the Ancient Mother.

Question 15

Who wears the Baule mask?

Accepted Answer

The Baule people of western Africa wear the Baule mask during ritual dances. These indigenous people live mostly in the eastern portion of the Ivory Coast and in parts of Ghana. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of Baule masks.

Question 16

What does a samurai mask represent?

Accepted Answer

What a samurai mask represents depends on its design. Some depict mythological beasts or fierce animals. The purpose of the masks was to intimidate or terrify a samurai's opponent. You'll find a collection of samurai masks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I make a papier mâché mask?

Accepted Answer

To make a papier mâché mask, you will need flour, water and some newspaper strips. Mix together the flour and water, and dip the newspaper strips in and apply to the mask mold. You can save the hassle by shopping a collection of papier mâché goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Are death masks still made?

Accepted Answer

No, death masks are not still made to record the facial features of deceased people because the advent of photography made them obsolete. However, some artists produce death masks and sculptures that resemble them for purposes of creative expression. You'll find a variety of death masks on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What are the main features of a Baule mask?

Accepted Answer

Baule made several different types of masks for dances, the gba gba, bonu amuen, the bmlo and the goli. Mblo are portrait masks that represent an individual within the community. The bonu amuen is shaped like a helmet and represents an animal that is worn with a specific outfit. On 1stDibs, find Baule masks and other artwork from top sellers around the world.

Question 20

What did beautiful Greek masks represent?

Accepted Answer

Beautiful Greek masks represented different things depending on the theatrical production that they were used in. They could symbolize the innocence or purity of the character or help the audience identify the main male or female character. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique masks.

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