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Masks For Sale
Antique Ceremonial Coyote Mask, Mexico
Antique Ceremonial Coyote Mask, Mexico

Antique Ceremonial Coyote Mask, Mexico

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Antique Ceremonial Coyote Mask, Mexico Circa 1960. This mask represents the Coyote, a symbolic figure associated with intelligence and cunning. An evocative example of Mexican folk a...

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Xantolo Mask From The Huasteca Region Of Hidalgo, Mexico, 1970´s
Xantolo Mask From The Huasteca Region Of Hidalgo, Mexico, 1970´s

Xantolo Mask From The Huasteca Region Of Hidalgo, Mexico, 1970´s

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Xantolo mask from the Huasteca region of Hidalgo. This rare collector's mask was acquired from the town of Tzapotitla in the municipality of Huazalingo in the mid 1970´s. The Xantolo celebration is a full blown...

Category

1970s Mexican Tribal Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Ceremonial Jaguar (Tigre) Mask, Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico
Antique Ceremonial Jaguar (Tigre) Mask, Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico

Antique Ceremonial Jaguar (Tigre) Mask, Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1960. We offer this exceptional ceremonial Tigre (the Mexican colloquial term for jaguar) mask originates from Zitlala, Guerrero, and represents a powerful example of one of Me...

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Leather

Vintage African Tribal Mask, Hand-Crafted Wood and Shell, 1970s Art
Vintage African Tribal Mask, Hand-Crafted Wood and Shell, 1970s Art

Vintage African Tribal Mask, Hand-Crafted Wood and Shell, 1970s Art

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Intriguing good looking mask artistically made of combination of hand crafted beads ,shells , and hand painted wood. To make such a exceptional object of art for display. Custom-mad...

Category

1970s African Tribal Vintage Masks

Materials

Shell, Wood, Beads

Ceremonial Coyote Mask – Dance of the Morenos, Colima, Mexico
Ceremonial Coyote Mask – Dance of the Morenos, Colima, Mexico

Ceremonial Coyote Mask – Dance of the Morenos, Colima, Mexico

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Ceremonial Coyote Mask – Dance of the Morenos, Colima, Mexico Circa 1960. This ceremonial mask represents the Coyote, a symbolic figure associated with intelligence and cunning. The...

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century
Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century

Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century

Located in Bochum, NRW

A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...

Category

1970s African Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France
A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France

A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A beautiful wall mask made from woven esparto grass, depicting a donkey’s head. This rare piece of folk art from the South of France dates back to the 1970s. Entirely handcrafted, it...

Category

1970s French French Provincial Vintage Masks

Materials

Natural Fiber

Mexican Parachico Mask with Montera
Mexican Parachico Mask with Montera

Mexican Parachico Mask with Montera

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1960. We offer this original and authentic Mexican Parachico mask. The mask is hand-carved from wood, and the montera is entirely handmade using natural yute cords. A striking ...

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia
African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia

Located in Chicago, IL

Created and used from the late 19th century into the 20th century, Dan passport masks served as personal talismans with spiritual connection and as portable identification symbol rep...

Category

Early 20th Century Liberian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Black Dance Mask, Guerrero, Mexico
Mid-20th Century Black Dance Mask, Guerrero, Mexico

Mid-20th Century Black Dance Mask, Guerrero, Mexico

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Mid-20th century black dance mask, Guerrero, Mexico A nice old mask from Guererro, Mexico, used in the Tlacololero Dance of the Tlactapa and probably fr...

Category

1940s Mexican Tribal Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Rare 2 Faced Twin Lega Mask DRC Large Sized
Rare 2 Faced Twin Lega Mask DRC Large Sized

Rare 2 Faced Twin Lega Mask DRC Large Sized

Located in Torquay, GB

Rare large twin faced Lega mask of the Bwami society in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), circa 1930s. This mask is very rare in that it is a large size ceremonial mask and would h...

Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Mexican Hand-Carved Wooden Mask
Antique Mexican Hand-Carved Wooden Mask

Antique Mexican Hand-Carved Wooden Mask

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Traditional Mexican mask hand-carved from wood, embodying the symbolic strength and expressive power of folk art. Its skull-like face, with hollowed eyes and a fixed, subtle grin, ev...

Category

1950s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Demon Hashihime 橋姫
Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Demon Hashihime 橋姫

Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Demon Hashihime 橋姫

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, grotesquely alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker. Th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

African Katanda Mask – Lega Tribe, DR Congo – Mid 20th Century
African Katanda Mask – Lega Tribe, DR Congo – Mid 20th Century

African Katanda Mask – Lega Tribe, DR Congo – Mid 20th Century

Located in Ljubljana, SI

Bring a piece of African heritage into your space with this authentic vintage Katanda mask from the Lega people of DR Congo. Hand-carved in the mid-20th century, this tribal mask is ...

Category

1950s Congolese Tribal Vintage Masks

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Handcrafted Italian Leather Mythological Satyr Mask, Venetian-Style
Vintage Handcrafted Italian Leather Mythological Satyr Mask, Venetian-Style

Vintage Handcrafted Italian Leather Mythological Satyr Mask, Venetian-Style

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a highly decorative vintage mask depicting a Devil or, more likely, a Satyr, a mythological figure from ancient Greek and Roman tradition. Satyrs are...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Greco Roman Masks

Materials

Leather

Antique Mexican Skull sign
Antique Mexican Skull sign

Antique Mexican Skull sign

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this rare and very antique Mexican Skull sign in wood, circa 1970. Great patina.

Category

1970s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

20th Century Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art
20th Century Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art

20th Century Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art

Located in Bochum, NRW

A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...

Category

1970s African Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Balinese Hand-carved Mask Depicting Mythological 'Rangda' Demon Queen, c. 1900
Balinese Hand-carved Mask Depicting Mythological 'Rangda' Demon Queen, c. 1900

Balinese Hand-carved Mask Depicting Mythological 'Rangda' Demon Queen, c. 1900

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

This hand-carved mask originates from the island of Bali and depicts Rangda, the Demon Queen of Balinese Hindu Mythology. This mask would've been used in ceremonies and/or dance perf...

Category

Early 20th Century Balinese Other Masks

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage 2 ft Tall African Hand Carved Wood Wall Mask
Large Vintage 2 ft Tall African Hand Carved Wood Wall Mask

Large Vintage 2 ft Tall African Hand Carved Wood Wall Mask

Located in Bochum, NRW

Large vintage hand-carved from one piece of solid wood African Tribal mask richly decorated with intricate tribal motifs. Beautifully hand carved, painted details, it has a hook, re...

Category

1990s African Folk Art Masks

Materials

Wood

Japanese Signed Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Doji, Early Showa Period
Japanese Signed Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Doji, Early Showa Period

Japanese Signed Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Doji, Early Showa Period

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker. This mask is o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Masks

Materials

Wood

Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century
Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century

Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century

Located in Bochum, NRW

A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...

Category

1970s African Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 2
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 2

Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 2

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 5 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Paper

Nepal Citipati Wood Dance Mask with Open Eyes Mouth Teeth, Black Skull Mask
Nepal Citipati Wood Dance Mask with Open Eyes Mouth Teeth, Black Skull Mask

Nepal Citipati Wood Dance Mask with Open Eyes Mouth Teeth, Black Skull Mask

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Oval very dark wood dance mask from Nepal with powerful expression, open eyes and oval mouth with finely carved teeth. Heavy projecting cheek bones. This mask represents the Tibetan...

Category

Late 19th Century Nepalese Tribal Antique Masks

Materials

Wood

African Nafana Bedu Large Moon Plank Zoomorphic Geometric Wood Sculpure Mask
African Nafana Bedu Large Moon Plank Zoomorphic Geometric Wood Sculpure Mask

African Nafana Bedu Large Moon Plank Zoomorphic Geometric Wood Sculpure Mask

Located in Studio City, CA

A wonderful, quite large and heavy, colorful Bedu plank mask by the Nafana (Senufo) tribe who reside in the central north-west of Ghana and the north-east of...

Category

20th Century Ghanaian Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Old wooden mask from southern China/lion mask/ritual item//Festival Mask
Old wooden mask from southern China/lion mask/ritual item//Festival Mask

Old wooden mask from southern China/lion mask/ritual item//Festival Mask

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Masks have been created around the world since ancient times, deeply connected to the human spirit. Many performing arts involving masks, where the wearer transforms into another bei...

Category

20th Century Chinese Other Masks

Materials

Wood

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa
African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa

Located in Chicago, IL

Created and used from the late 19th century into the 20th century, Dan passport masks served as personal talismans with spiritual connection and as portable identification symbol rep...

Category

Early 20th Century Liberian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s
African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s

African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s

Located in Salzburg, AT

African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s Female wooden mask with rich decoration of textile elements, small shells and ceramic beads. The mouth...

Category

1970s Ivorian Tribal Vintage Masks

Materials

Iron

Antique Guéré Mask, Carved Wood, Congo, Arts and Crafts, Circa 1900
Antique Guéré Mask, Carved Wood, Congo, Arts and Crafts, Circa 1900

Antique Guéré Mask, Carved Wood, Congo, Arts and Crafts, Circa 1900

Located in Bruxelles, BE

Masque Guéré originaire de la frontière entre la Côte d'Ivoire et le Liberia. Ces masques étaient utilisés lors de cérémonies pour assurer l'ordre et éloigner les menaces. Les yeux r...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Arts and Crafts Masks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask
19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask

19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask

Located in London, GB

19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask A Japanese Meiji period Iki mask dated from the late 19th Century, depicting a dynamic expressive human face, with glass eyes and hair and a burn...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Victorian Antique Masks

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Vintage Lega - Kwele Mask from Congo Africa, 1970s
Vintage Lega - Kwele Mask from Congo Africa, 1970s

Vintage Lega - Kwele Mask from Congo Africa, 1970s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A hand-carved partially painted (natural pigments) Lega/kwele/bakwele mask. Artisan made in Congo circa 1960-80 and brought back to Denmark by a Danish traveller. It is executed in u...

Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Papua New Guinea Hand-Carved Tribal Mask, Sepik River Region, Early 20th
Antique Papua New Guinea Hand-Carved Tribal Mask, Sepik River Region, Early 20th

Antique Papua New Guinea Hand-Carved Tribal Mask, Sepik River Region, Early 20th

Located in Miami, FL

Antique Papua New Guinea Hand-Carved Tribal Mask, Sepik River Region, Early 20th Century An evocative and finely crafted tribal mask from Papua New Guinea, likely originating from the Sepik River region, renowned for its powerful ceremonial art and expressive visual traditions. This striking mask is constructed from handwoven vegetal fibers, rather than carved wood, reflecting a distinct regional approach within Papua New Guinea ceremonial arts. The bold facial composition features exaggerated eyes, pronounced contours, and graphic detailing—hallmarks of Sepik-influenced ritual objects. The surface displays a rich, naturally aged patina with visible wear and tonal variation consistent with age, ritual handling, and long-term environmental exposure. Hand-applied pigments in multiple colors further enhance its visual impact and ceremonial character. Masks of this type were traditionally used in spiritual and ceremonial contexts, often associated with ancestral reverence, initiation rites, or protective symbolism within village life. Today, such works are highly sought after by collectors of tribal and ethnographic art, as well as interior designers seeking objects with strong cultural narrative and sculptural presence. A compelling sculptural object whether displayed on a wall or as a standalone accent, this mask brings depth, history, and a sense of the primal to any refined interior or curated collection. Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear, surface patina, and minor irregularities consistent with traditional hand-weaving, hand-painting, and use. No restorations observed. Authentic Early 20th-century Papua New Guinea masks...

Category

Early 20th Century Guinean Tribal Masks

Materials

Natural Fiber

Antique Mexican Demon Mask
Antique Mexican Demon Mask

Antique Mexican Demon Mask

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this rare antique Mexican Demon mask in wood, circa 1970. The mask makes a sound when moved.

Category

1970s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

1950s Catrin "Dandy" Mask, Tlaxcala, Mexico
1950s Catrin "Dandy" Mask, Tlaxcala, Mexico

1950s Catrin "Dandy" Mask, Tlaxcala, Mexico

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Catrin (Dandy) mask Nahua people, Tlaxcala, Mexico Wood, gesso, paint 1950s-1960s Measures: 7? (17.8 cm) high, 6.5? (16.5 cm) wide, 5? (12.7 cm) deep This mask is called the C...

Category

1950s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia
African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia

African Dan Passport Family Mask - Carved Wooden Mask from West Africa, Liberia

Located in Chicago, IL

Created and used from the late 19th century into the 20th century, Dan passport masks served as personal talismans with spiritual connection and as portable identification symbol rep...

Category

Early 20th Century Liberian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask
Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask

Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask

Located in Studio City, CA

A fantastic and somewhat playful mask by the Yup'ik (Yupik) aboriginal, indigenous people of South-Western & South Central Alaska. The Yup'ik people, who are related to the Inuit peoples, have a long history of ceremonial mask making. Yup'ik masks were originally and specifically designed by Shamans and made to be worn by these spiritual leaders in Winter tribal dances and sacred ceremonies. Traditionally, the masks were destroyed or discarded after use in these ceremonies. Very few of these masks survived. After Christian contact in the late 19th century, masked dancing was suppressed and the tradition all but died out. As more outsiders settled in Alaska at the turn of the century, masks were made by the Yup'ik people to sell or trade for necessary goods. It is likely that this mask was created some years later for this purpose. In the 20th century, Yup'ik mask had a profound influence on many renowned surrealist artists including, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Leonora Carrington, Victor Brauner, and most notably Andre Breton who was an avid collector of Yup'ik masks. This fantastic anthropomorphic mask is carved of lighter wood, hand painted and decorated with pigment, and held together with natural fiber. The mask seems to represent some sort of smiling, benevolent spirit or character with its four eyes, bird beak, and cat-like ears. The mask is from a French collection. We were told that this mask, as well as others in the collection we have listed, was acquired originally in the 1950s-1960s in Alaska and the Yukon territory in Canada but as we have no way to verify or authenticate this. Please note we are listing the masks as decorative and not as actual tribal artifacts...

Category

20th Century American Masks

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood, Paint

Old Igbo Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade
Old Igbo Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade

Old Igbo Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade

Located in Torquay, GB

A superb Igbo Nigeria helmet mask 'Agbogho Mmuo" or Maiden Spirit. Worn as masqurades during funerals, cleansing rituals, harvest festivals, weddings and ...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Dan Gagon, Dance Mask, Ivory Coast, Africa
Dan Gagon, Dance Mask, Ivory Coast, Africa

Dan Gagon, Dance Mask, Ivory Coast, Africa

Located in Stockholm, SE

An african Dan Gabon dance mask. Ivory Coast. Wood, fur and metal. Good condition. Signs of wear. Visible marks.

Category

20th Century Ivorian Masks

Materials

Fur, Wood

Antique Jaguar Mask — Traditional Mexican Carving
Antique Jaguar Mask — Traditional Mexican Carving

Antique Jaguar Mask — Traditional Mexican Carving

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Antique Mexican mask hand-carved in wood, depicting the powerful face of a jaguar—one of the most significant and symbolic animals in the ritual traditions of Mesoamerica. The piece...

Category

1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Wood

Ekoi, Ejagham Janiform Headcrest, Nigeria
Ekoi, Ejagham Janiform Headcrest, Nigeria

Ekoi, Ejagham Janiform Headcrest, Nigeria

Located in Savannah, GA

Janiform ceremonial headdress from the Ekoi, Ejagham people of the Cross River region of Southeastern Nigeria, circa early 20th century. The janus symbolism from the Cross River r...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Clay Mask, 1960s Italy
Clay Mask, 1960s Italy

Clay Mask, 1960s Italy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fantastic sculptural clay mask wall art made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a short rope which ties off on the face of the mask. Hangs from a single screw making ins...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Masks

Materials

Clay, Rope

Black Faun Wall Decorative Ceramic Mask circa 1950 French Midcentury
Black Faun Wall Decorative Ceramic Mask circa 1950 French Midcentury

Black Faun Wall Decorative Ceramic Mask circa 1950 French Midcentury

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Wall ceramic mask, circa 1950 French midcentury ceramic mask with elegant black ceramic glaze color. Original perfect conditions Measures: Height 24 cm, large 22 cm, depth 7...

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Masks

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Animal Sculptures - African Bronze Art from Burkina Faso, Set of Three
Bronze Animal Sculptures - African Bronze Art from Burkina Faso, Set of Three

Bronze Animal Sculptures - African Bronze Art from Burkina Faso, Set of Three

Located in Chicago, IL

This set of three bronze animal sculptures are stylized animal figures produced in Burkina Faso, West Africa using the lost-wax casting tradition. These miniature sculptures stand as...

Category

Mid-20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Masks

Materials

Bronze

Three-Faced Tribal Mask – We (Guéré) / Dan, Ivory Coast – circa 1940–1960
Three-Faced Tribal Mask – We (Guéré) / Dan, Ivory Coast – circa 1940–1960

Three-Faced Tribal Mask – We (Guéré) / Dan, Ivory Coast – circa 1940–1960

Located in PARIS, FR

Old We (Guéré) / Dan mask with three fused faces, symbolizing clairvoyance and spiritual vigilance. Carved from dense fine-grained hardwood, it displays a dry, deep brown patina with...

Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period
Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period

Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A striking Japanese carved wood mask with polychrome paint and lacquer surface. This rare mask is dated to the Edo period (first half of 19th century and possibly earlier). The mask ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Masks

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Congolese Kuba Bwoon Helmet Mask
Congolese Kuba Bwoon Helmet Mask

Congolese Kuba Bwoon Helmet Mask

Located in Pasadena, TX

This piece is called a Kuba mask. It was made in Congo. Its a helmet and a mask. Its decorated with cloth, beads and shells. its nicely carved and would make a statement in your home...

Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood, Beads

Kumba Karna Masks, Indonesian, Mid-20th Century
Kumba Karna Masks, Indonesian, Mid-20th Century

Kumba Karna Masks, Indonesian, Mid-20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

These Kumba Karna Masks are tribal decorative objects realized in the Indonesian island of Bali, during the second half of the 20th century. Dimensions: cm 19 x 20. Traditional...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Masks

Materials

Wood

West Africa Senufo Cast Bronze Mask Kpelie, Circa 1950s
West Africa Senufo Cast Bronze Mask Kpelie, Circa 1950s

West Africa Senufo Cast Bronze Mask Kpelie, Circa 1950s

Located in Torquay, GB

Ancestral Senufo cast bronze face mask (Kpelie) from Côte d'Ivoire West Africa. Made using the lost wax technique. Traditionally, the 'Kpelie' is an ancestral mask worn during funeral rites, initiation ceremonies, weddings and births. The function of the mask is determined by the crest at the top of it's head and the subtle scarification markings it carries. The female mask will normally have a plug on it's mouth with the male masks having an open mouth and longer protruding jaw. It is believed that the mask itself embodies the spirit of the dead, hence the name 'Dead Face' The delicate attributes of this mask is a fine example of the excellent artistry of the Senufos. This is a male Senufo Mask...

Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Masks

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of Handcrafted Venetian Jester Masks with Opera Sticks, Commedia dell’Arte
Pair of Handcrafted Venetian Jester Masks with Opera Sticks, Commedia dell’Arte

Pair of Handcrafted Venetian Jester Masks with Opera Sticks, Commedia dell’Arte

Located in Miami, FL

A striking pair of handcrafted Venetian jester masks, created in Italy circa 2000 and inspired by the rich theatrical traditions of Commedia dell’Arte. These original Venetian folk a...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Masks

Materials

Gold, Brass, Metallic Thread

Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Buddhist Monk Shunkan
Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Buddhist Monk Shunkan

Japanese Signed Showa Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask of Buddhist Monk Shunkan

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully carved, wonderfully crafted, highly engaging mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand carved from natural wood and is signed and sealed b...

Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Masks

Materials

Wood

Original Vintage Set of 7 Mexican Children Wrestling Masks
Original Vintage Set of 7 Mexican Children Wrestling Masks

Original Vintage Set of 7 Mexican Children Wrestling Masks

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this Original Vintage Set of 7 Mexican Children Wrestling Masks. Found from an old factory that manufactured masks for wrestling shows for the Arena Mexico. Made from fantas...

Category

1970s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Fabric

Set of Eight Vintage Framed Masks, Paper, 1960s, Folk Art, USA
Set of Eight Vintage Framed Masks, Paper, 1960s, Folk Art, USA

Set of Eight Vintage Framed Masks, Paper, 1960s, Folk Art, USA

Located in Stamford, CT

Eight vintage masks of a rogues' gallery framed in black plastic frames. Priced as a set.

Category

1960s American Folk Art Vintage Masks

Materials

Paper

Vintage Hand-Carved Balinese Demon Mask with Articulated Jaw
Vintage Hand-Carved Balinese Demon Mask with Articulated Jaw

Vintage Hand-Carved Balinese Demon Mask with Articulated Jaw

Located in Delray Beach, FL

This striking hand-carved Balinese demon mask is an authentic example of traditional Indonesian ritual craftsmanship, carved from solid wood and constructed to be worn in performance...

Category

Early 20th Century Masks

Materials

Fur, Wood

Mid-Century Folk Art Yellow Ceramic Animal Mask
Mid-Century Folk Art Yellow Ceramic Animal Mask

Mid-Century Folk Art Yellow Ceramic Animal Mask

Located in Northport, MI

Hand-modeled and painted ceramic animal mask with bold yellow ground and expressive black linear decoration. The stylized face features exaggerated eyes, raised ears, and an open mou...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Masks

Materials

Clay

Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask
Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask

Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Carved Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Mask

Located in Studio City, CA

A fantastic and somewhat grotesquely strange mask by the Yup'ik (Yupik) aboriginal, indigenous people of South-Western & South Central Alaska. The Yup'ik people, who are related to t...

Category

20th Century American Masks

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood, Paint

Dan Mask from Ivory Coast, Africa, 1950
Dan Mask from Ivory Coast, Africa, 1950

Dan Mask from Ivory Coast, Africa, 1950

Located in NICE, FR

This very elegant Dan mask is well-proportioned with a long protruding mouth from Ivory Coast, Africa. It dates back to the 1950s. The base is included in the price. Dan masks have...

Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 1 Mask
Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 1 Mask

Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 1 Mask

Located in Paris, FR

Mask Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 1, with real natural hair Geisha wig on head model and with Nô Theater white painted wood mask. Measures: Base: 28,5 x...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Masks

Materials

Wood

Antique and Vintage Masks

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.