Masks of the World
People have used masks across cultures and throughout human history. They are worn in a variety of contexts including performances, rituals, and religious rites. They allow the wearer to take on a new, and often more powerful, identity. Please enjoy this selection of masks from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Download coloring pages featuring a selection of these masks here.
You can also learn about Carnival in Bolivia and make a mask here.
Carnival Mask
Country: Bolivia
Ceremonial Mask
Culture: Yaka
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Devil Mask
Culture: Maya
Country: Mexico
Chimpanzee Mask
Culture: Dan
Country: Liberia
Jaguar Mask
Culture: Nahua
Country: Mexico
Idiok Ekpo Mask
Culture: Ibibio
Country: Nigeria
Kifwebe Mask
Culture: Luba
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Maiden Spirit Mask
Culture: Igbo
Country: Nigeria
Monkey God Mask
Country: Taiwan (Republic of China)
Noh Mask
Country: Japan
Spirit Mask
Culture: Abelam
Country: Papua New Guinea
Topeng Mask
Culture: Javanese
Country: Indonesia
Ancestor Mask
Country: Papua New Guinea
Karanga Mask
Culture: Mossi
Country: Burkina Faso
Ram Mask
Culture: Baule
Country: Ivory Coast
Nwantantay Mask
Culture: Bwa
Country: Burkina Faso
Buffalo Mask
Culture: Pende
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Butterfly Mask
Culture: Bwa
Country: Burkina Faso
Canoe Prow Mask
Culture: Tambaran
Country: Papua New Guinea
Ceremonial Mask
Culture: Yoruba
Country: Nigeria
Ritual Mask
Country: Papua New Guinea
Sun Mask
Culture: Nafana
Country: Ghana
Moon Mask
Culture: Nafana
Country: Ghana
This long-term exhibit was on display until March 16, 2020.