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Masks For Sale
Dayak Shaman Mask
Located in London, GB
A rare Iban Dayak shaman ritual mask, early to mid 20th century, Kalimantan/Borneo, Indonesia. Hand carved from local jelutong wood with existing decorative lime and charcoal/pigments.
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Primitive Masks
Materials
Wood
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
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
Old Bulu Cameroon Singe Mask Large
Located in Torquay, GB
On offer is a rare large sized 'Singe' Monkey mask from the Bulu people of south central Cameroon. The Bulu are a sub-group of the Cameroon Fang, having originated from Gabon.
This...
Category
Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 3
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 6 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Category
1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks
Materials
Paper
Two Antique Indian Papier-Mâché Hand Painted Face Masks Depicting Brides
Located in Yonkers, NY
Two antique Indian papier-mâché hand painted face masks from the early 20th century, depicting Indian brides. They are priced and sold individually. Featuring a polychrome finish made of ocher, red and black tones, each of these face masks depicts an Indian bride. Touching us with the simplicity of their execution, they showcase traditional red jewels adorning the brides' foreheads and curly strings of hair on the cheeks. The eyebrows, mouths and noses are represented in an archaic manner that gives great presence to the ensemble. With their fascinating décor and small proportions, these Indian papier-mâché face...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Masks
Materials
Other
Japanese Signed Waka-Onna or Ko-Omote Wood Carved Noh Theater Mask, Showa 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater.
This mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and signed/sealed by the maker on the underside.
This mask is the mask of Waka-Onna - or young beautiful woman. It may be that of Ko-omote. Ko-omote translates as "little mask" or sometimes "small face...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Masks
Materials
Wood, Paint
Dance mask, Kifwebe, Songye, Congo
By Songye Tribe
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dance mask/ sculpture. Known as a Kifwebe mask. Songye. Carved wood. 20th century.
With a few flaws and repairs.
Category
20th Century Congolese Masks
Materials
Wood
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
Egyptian Mummy Mask, Late Period, ca. 700-30 B.C.
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Carved hardwood mummy mask having a pink-brown painted ground, painted black eyes and brows. Wearing a black headband. Eyes and brows are restored. Scattere...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Masks
Materials
Hardwood
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
Older Yoruba African Carved and Painted Mask, Labeled
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An older small scale mask carved and painted white (now worn) with painted blue and black features and a black top knot. Marked on interior tape, “Yoruba”. The Mask with good age, fa...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
Very Important “Nwantantay” African Dance Mask
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very important “Nwantamtay” dance African mask, consisting of three sections: The upper in plain rectangular shape surmounted by a crescent shape moon, the middle with beautiful geometric triangles in black bitumen and white kaolin, surrounding a red cruciform in the centre of remarkable contrasting colors, and the lower part or face inscribed in a circular space that inspired numbered great artists like Joan Miro, Picasso and Henry Moore of a very strongly solar symbolism, with a projecting protuberance emanating from the forehead like a sculpted bird beak, that descents toward the mouth. Concentric eyes harmonize with the circular mouth, both with of elegant proportions. The whole mask exudes a supreme harmony and perfect balance rarely seen in this pieces. The back-side presents nice ware that attested the ancient origin and traces of animistic ceremonies as the use of animal blood residues. The painting of brown bitumen or cola, the natural colorants in red and ocher tones and the white kaolin are original and do not show any repainted or restored areas, giving a freshness rarely seen in old pieces. This exceptional mask Bwa, of the Hound`e Region in Burkina-Fasso, was used it the transit ceremonies and funerals manifesting the presence of “Do”, name given to their God sons, protectors and powerful spirits. The round face also represents an owl, the curving beak of the bird plants a seed into the sun, like a female sexual vulva being fecundated by the male organ; the eternal symbol of Ying and Yang, masculine and feminine, and the quest of life and death. This mask of Primitive facture can be compared to the one in the celebrated Verite Collection (this one being larger) sold in Paris at the Hotel Drouot, Saturday June 17, Lot 59, for 80,000 Euros and remarkably stands out from the Pierre and Tannia Matisse sold in Sotheby’s, New York in May 13, 2011. Another similar piece was published in: “Arman et l’art africain...
Category
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Masks
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Wood Tribal Mask from Atoni Tribe Timor
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This very flat mask originates from the Atoni people of Timor. For the Timorese people masks portray both male and female ancestors, worn by warriors to scare off enemies or during c...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Masks
Materials
Wood
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
African Mask, Angola, 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
African mask in hand painted wood, 20th century Angola.
Category
20th Century Angolan Masks
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Latin American Hispanic Devil Diablo Folk Art Mask with Horns
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic piece. Really quite unique. We have not seen another quite like it.
Made from heavy wood and features real horns.
Likely South or Central American or perhaps from Mexico.
Has clear signs of use and age so we are estimating early to mid-20th century.
Would make for a terrific addition to any folk or tribal mask collection...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Masks
Materials
Wood, Paint
Moche Copper Bronze Mask
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A large coper mask of a dignitary with almond shaped, inset shell eyes with pupils and a wide brim type crown. Attached at the brow line, a row of danglers is suspended, aligning the...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique Masks
Materials
Copper
Antique Yao Shaman's Mask
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Yao Shaman's Mask
Guizhou Province, China
Early 20th Century
Wood,horse hair, printed paper, nails
Size: 13 1/2" x 8" (34 x 20 cm)
On a custom made metal stand.
Covered inside and o...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Tribal Masks
Materials
Organic Material, Wood, Paper
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
Fiber Polychrome Mask Yam Ancestor Papua New Guinea
Located in Atlanta, GA
A well preserved Yam Ancestor mask professionally presented on a museum quality acrylic display stand. The mask was a classic tribal art piece from Abela...
Category
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Masks
Materials
Natural Fiber, Acrylic
Collection of Japanese and Chinese Masks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of eight Japanese and Chinese masks, circa 1950s or earlier. These were recently purchased from the Manhattan estate of a Japanese man who travel...
Category
1950s Japanese Chinoiserie Vintage Masks
Materials
Metal
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 6 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Category
1960s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks
Materials
Paper
"Ruby" Helmet for Christian Dior
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Extremely rare
Christian Dior / ruby
Ruby helmet for Christian Dior.
Helmet designed for the decoration of Dior boutiques and which has never been comme...
Category
2010s French Masks
Materials
Steel
Mid 20th Century Hand Carved African Fertility Mask, Akan People
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very decorative fertility mask by the Baule tribe, associated with the Akan people who live both in Ghana and in the Ivory Coast. The sides with three...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
Pair of Masks Sculpted in Terracotta by Roberto Rigon, 1960s
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of masks, faces of women and men, sculpted in terracotta by Roberto Rigon in the 1960s.
The masks represent a Man and a Woman, both sculpted by t...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masks
Materials
Terracotta
Set of 4 Vintage Mexican Wrestling Fighters Figures
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this fantastic set of 4 Mexican wrestling fighters, made in plastic and hand painted, circa 1970. Excellent vintage conditions.
Category
1970s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Masks
Materials
Plastic, Paint
Fine Chinese Carved Wooden Face Mask, ca 1900-1940
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Ca 1900-1940 Fine Chinese Carved Wooden Face Mask China.
Additional information:
Material: Wood
Region of Origin: China
Period: 19th century
China Dynasty Period: Qing (1661 - 1912)...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Masks
Materials
Wood
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
Large Woven Painted Basketry Wall Mask Blackwater Rivers, Papua New Guinea
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Large woven painted basketry wall mask created in Blackwater Rivers area, Papua New Guinea. With open expressive mouth and mask fringed with feathers, striking mask that easily hang...
Category
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Masks
Materials
Organic Material
Hand-Carved Wood Javanese ‘Wayang Topeng’ Theatre Mask, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old mask from the Javanese masks theatre ‘wayang topeng’: carved from hard wood, and painted on the front side. The mask shows clear traces of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Masks
Materials
Wood
Hand-Carved Wood Borneo Dayak Tribe Mask, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This hand-carved wooden mask is from Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. It features bulging eyes and a mouth emphasised by a full set of teeth and small nose. These masks we...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Masks
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Papier Paper Mâché Mardi Gras Halloween Voodoo Costume Mask
Located in San Diego, CA
Very unique antique handmade Folk Art papier/papier mâché Mardi Gras/Halloween voodoo costume mask. The mask is handmade and painted by the artist. Signed "Michel" on the inside. Gre...
Category
Early 20th Century Masks
Materials
Paper
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
African Nigerian Igbo Wood Carved Maiden Spirit Mask Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A finely carved mask from the early to mid-1900s made by the Igo People of Southeastern Nigeria.
Agbogho, or "maiden spirit" are worn strictly by m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Masks
Materials
Wood, Paint
Salampasu Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceremonial African mask is linked to the Salampasu people of the Bantu ethnic group located primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Salampasu masks...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Masks
Materials
Wood, Bamboo
Nocturnal Bird Mask, Nigeria, Africa, circa 1950
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very beautiful mask with large pronounced eyes with the circular cavity shape. The mask depicts a nocturnal bird that can see in the darkness and manifest the presence of divinities ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
A Primitive Ceramic Mask by Accolay Pottery France 1960s
Located in HYÈRES, FR
An important wall mask by Accolay Pottery.
France 1960s
Signed under
With nice colors
Category
1960s French Vintage Masks
Materials
Ceramic
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
1970's Nicaraguan Mask Folk Art
Located in Vancouver, BC
A traditional Indian dance mask from the town of Monimbo, adopted by the rebels during the fight against Somoza. These were worn in order to conceal one's identity.
It is a very un...
Category
1970s Nicaraguan Folk Art Vintage Masks
Materials
Metal, Wire
Early 20th Century Large Tribal Shield
Located in Sheffield, MA
Highly decorative and impressive shields from the buttress-like roots and/or trunks of mangrove trees. The soft mangrove wood is well suited to be proces...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
Very decorative. Comes from a Berlin private collection.
Category
20th Century African Masks
Materials
Wood
Yupik Yup'ik Native American Alaska Polychrome Wood Anthropomorphic Spirit Mask
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, somewhat sinister appearing mask by the Yup'ik (Yupik) aboriginal, indigenous people of South-Western & South Central Alaska. The Yup'ik people, who are related to the I...
Category
20th Century American Masks
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Javanese ‘Wayang Topeng’ Theatre Mask, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old mask from the Javanese masks theatre ‘wayang topeng’: carved from hard wood, and painted on the front side. This mask is from Cirebon in Ja...
Category
19th Century Indonesian Other Antique Masks
Materials
Wood
Willi Huggler Brutalist Style Carved Wood Mask
By Willi Huggler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carved grotesque wood mask with pierced eyes, very hooked nose, cigar between very crooked bone teeth. Label on verso reads, “Willi Huggler (Swiss, 1925...
Category
20th Century Swiss Tribal Masks
Materials
Bone, Wood
Set of Six Vintage French Three Dimensional Masks
Located in Stamford, CT
Very animated face masks from the 1940s. Three dimensional.
Category
1940s French Vintage Masks
Materials
Composition
Carved Tribal Mask from Pacific Northwest Coast by David Frankel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking carved and painted mask in the tradition of the Native Indian tribes from Pacific Northwest Coast by David Frankel in 1994. The mask...
Category
1990s American Native American Masks
Materials
Natural Fiber, Wood
A Kendo Mask & Bust Protection Japan 1930s
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Kendo mask and bust protection.
Japan 1930s.
Very good patina.
In original good condition
Category
1930s Japanese Vintage Masks
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Rope, Wood
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
Noh Edo Period Lion Mask II
Located in Pasadena, CA
This another superb example of an Edo Period early 18th century or earlier Lion Mask created for the Lion Dances of the Gion Matsuri Festival. The mask is i...
Category
Early 18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Masks
Materials
Wood
Fang-Style African Painted Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
Light masks like these represented the spirit of an ancestor and were used for social control by Ngil, the judiciary association. The facial markings, abstract features and strong, e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Gabonese Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
Pende-Style Antelope Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
Masks from the Pende people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are considered some of the most dramatic works of African art. The Pende have defined an extensive range of mask forms, many with distinct characters embodied during ritual ceremony. Colored by red and white pigments, this Pende mask...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks
Materials
Wood
Pre-Columbian Chimu Gold Mask With Scar
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A large sheet gold mask depicting a stylized human face having an individually fashioned and applied nose. Large low relief repousse eyes and rectangular mou...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique Masks
Materials
Gold
Pair Brass Carnivale Masks Mounted On Black Marble
Located in Chicago, IL
Equisite pair of cast brass Carnivale masks mounted on black marble plinth bases. Very nicely patinated.
Category
20th Century Italian Masks
Materials
Marble, Brass
Hand-Carved Wood Javanese ‘Wayang Topeng’ Theatre Mask, Indonesia, 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This mid-20th century ‘Wayang topeng’ mask was used in Javanese masked dance performances. This mask features a bright mix of red, yellow, white & blue pol...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Other Masks
Materials
Wood
Japanese Theatre Mitsumekozo Theatre Mask Meiji Period, circa 1900
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Unusual Japanese Folk Art theatre mask depicting the playful character Mitsumekozo, a three eyed goblin often portrayed as a mischevious creature in comical plays, late Meiji period,...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Masks
Materials
Wood
Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 2 Mask
Located in Paris, FR
Mask Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 2, with real natural hair Geisha wig
on head model and with Nô Theater natural wood mask.
Base: 28,5x26,3cm.
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage 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.