Masks of the World
![](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2020/04/2019-Masks-of-the-World-Panel-1024x108.jpg)
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.
![Carnival mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Carnival-1024x1024.jpg)
Carnival Mask
Country: Bolivia
![Yaka Ceremonial Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Ceremonial-1024x1024.jpg)
Ceremonial Mask
Culture: Yaka
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
![Maya Devil Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Devil-1024x1024.jpg)
Devil Mask
Culture: Maya
Country: Mexico
![Chimpanzee Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Chimp-1024x1024.jpg)
Chimpanzee Mask
Culture: Dan
Country: Liberia
![Nahua Jaguar Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Jaguar-1024x1024.jpg)
Jaguar Mask
Culture: Nahua
Country: Mexico
![Idiok Ekpo Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Idiok-Ekpo-1024x1024.jpg)
Idiok Ekpo Mask
Culture: Ibibio
Country: Nigeria
![Kifwebe Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Kifwebe-1024x1024.jpg)
Kifwebe Mask
Culture: Luba
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
![maiden spirit mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Maiden-Spirit-1024x1024.jpg)
Maiden Spirit Mask
Culture: Igbo
Country: Nigeria
![Monkey God Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Monkey-God-1024x1024.jpg)
Monkey God Mask
Country: Taiwan (Republic of China)
![Japanese Noh Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Noh-1024x1024.jpg)
Noh Mask
Country: Japan
![Papua New Guinea Spirit Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Spirit-1024x1024.jpg)
Spirit Mask
Culture: Abelam
Country: Papua New Guinea
![Javanese Topeng Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Topeng-1024x1024.jpg)
Topeng Mask
Culture: Javanese
Country: Indonesia
![Papua New Guinea Ancestor Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Ancestor-576x1024.jpg)
Ancestor Mask
Country: Papua New Guinea
![Karanga Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Karanga-576x1024.jpg)
Karanga Mask
Culture: Mossi
Country: Burkina Faso
![Baule Ram Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Ram-576x1024.jpg)
Ram Mask
Culture: Baule
Country: Ivory Coast
![Nwantantay Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Nwantantay-576x1024.jpg)
Nwantantay Mask
Culture: Bwa
Country: Burkina Faso
![Pende Buffalo Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Buffalo-1024x576.jpg)
Buffalo Mask
Culture: Pende
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
![Bwa Butterfly Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Butterfly-1024x576.jpg)
Butterfly Mask
Culture: Bwa
Country: Burkina Faso
![Tambaran Canoe Prow Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Canoe-Prow-682x1024.jpg)
Canoe Prow Mask
Culture: Tambaran
Country: Papua New Guinea
![Yoruba Ceremonial Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Ceremonial-683x1024.jpg)
Ceremonial Mask
Culture: Yoruba
Country: Nigeria
![Papua New Guinea Ritual Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Ritual-683x1024.jpg)
Ritual Mask
Country: Papua New Guinea
![Nafana Sun Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Sun-683x1024.jpg)
Sun Mask
Culture: Nafana
Country: Ghana
![Nafana Moon Mask](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/417/2022/03/Moon-682x1024.jpg)
Moon Mask
Culture: Nafana
Country: Ghana
This long-term exhibit was on display until March 16, 2020.