Inuit Art Smile
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Mixed Media
Wood, Plywood, Acrylic
20th Century American Masks
Wood, Paint, Natural Fiber
20th Century American Masks
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Masks
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Masks
Natural Fiber, Wood, Paint
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20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Wood, Paint
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Tribal Art
Shell, Wood, Natural Fiber
Vintage 1950s Canadian Native American Native American Objects
Cedar
Late 20th Century Canadian Organic Modern Figurative Sculptures
Stone
Vintage 1980s American Native American Native American Objects
Cedar
1960s Expressionist Still-life Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Modern Nude Drawings and Watercolors
Charcoal, Archival Paper, Graphite
2010s Canadian Modern Paintings
Canvas
Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
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20th Century American Masks
Natural Fiber, Wood, Paint
1940s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Antique Late 19th Century French Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Paint
2010s American Native American Native American Objects
Cedar
20th Century American Masks
Natural Fiber, Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings
Acrylic, Oil, Crayon, Paper
Recent Sales
20th Century American Masks
Wood
20th Century American Masks
Wood, Paint
Finding the Right masks for You
Today, art enthusiasts and venturesome interior designers find a lot to love and appreciate about antique and vintage masks, particularly as they have earned a distinct place amid a collection of folk art and other collectibles and curiosities in contemporary homes.
Folk art refers to art that people, not classically trained, created for either utilitarian or decorative purposes. With respect to visual art in folk art, it is typically reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition. Masks, as part of this history, have been used in carnivals, theater, medicine, therapy, religion and more. The use of masks in rituals and sacred ceremonies goes back thousands of years, and masks in general are believed to be much older. And all kinds of other uses have been found for masks and face coverings over time. We have enlisted these accessories for protection, to signal modesty, facilitate flirtation, enable licentiousness or simply to look cool.
Archaeologists found a mask in Palestine that is believed to be 9,000 years old, a Neolithic-era stone mask that may have been part of rituals associated with the worship of ancestors. Some tribal masks are worn as an offering to the gods. Masks are among the most important African art forms, for example, and traditional African masks can be used to lend a concrete form to an invisible spirit. Dancers donning wooden tribal masks celebrate important events to honor their deceased ancestors. These masks are also very important devices for storytelling and sharing the oral history of a community.
For Asian artists, specific colors are used in masks to convey different values and ideas. In Japan, a red Oni mask worn by performers during a festival might signify anger, while in China’s Peking Opera, a mask that has been hand-painted gold would be worn by an immortal.
Mexican craftspeople make masks for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater. A common symbol of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead is a skull, which is widely represented in masks (although the innumerable activities associated with the holiday are by no means universal).
We’re inviting you to explore and pay respect to the long folk-art traditions that underpin mask-making by introducing antique and vintage masks to your space. Find an exciting collection on 1stDibs today.
- What is the Inuit art style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Intuit art style describes the artwork produced by indigenous people from the Arctic region. Inuit art is largely handmade and includes sculptures, masks, handicrafts and prints. Shop a collection of Inuit art from top artists and sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Early Inuit art focused on using found items or materials that were handy. Their original artworks were also often practical—noted for their skill in textiles wear and warmth. They made small carved sculptures as children’s toys. Their functional, daily items were often works of art. Shop a selection of Inuit carvings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The three main periods of Inuit art are often defined as pre-Historic (pre-1770), Historic (1770-1949), and contemporary (1949-present). Intricate and beautiful Inuit carvings, often made of soapstone today, are highly prized by collectors. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary Inuit art from some of the world’s top art dealers.
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