Hand Carved Wood Buddha Masks and history

Gautama Buddha was born in 563 b.c. in northeast India. The Buddha was the son of the King of the Sakyas. Suddhodana, who ruled at Kapilavastu, on the border of Nepal. His mother was Queen Maya. He was named Siddhartha. He lived amidst the pleasures of palace life and at age 16 he was married to Princess Yasodhara. They had a son named Rahula. After seeing a decrepid old man, an invalid, and an ascetic beggar, he learned of suffering and decided to embrace asceticism.

Soon afterwards, at age 29, Siddhartha left the palace and his family and went to a hermitage where he became the monk Gautama, or, as he is still called, Sakyamuni (The ascetic of the Sakyas). One day, meditating under a sacred figtree, he attained perfect illumination (Bodhi). He had become a Buddha. From there on he traveled and preached for 44 years what was to become one of the main religions of the world. He died at Kusinagara at age 80.

Explanation and meaning of Buddha mask features:

Life size heads of Buddha began appearing in Indonesia in the late 12th and early 13th century as Buddhism mixed with Hinduism. Buddha was originally a Hindu, and the heads are said to represent the face of Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. Since then many wooden masks were made to represent Buddha. These carved wood masks, unlike African masks, looks strange to many western people, but every feature of the face of buddha has a special meaning. If you look at the features of the wood buddha mask carefully, you could also understand the meaning and culture behind it.

The large earlobes are associated with the wealthy class that Buddha was born into. The top knot or ushnisa is a symbol of spiritual wisdom, while the hair curls. half-closed eyes, and smiling mouth represent deep meditation and peace of mind. There is a great sense of inner serenity and power with the achievement of perfection and compassion represented by these heads and carvings of face masks. If you hang it in your house, you too would maybe feel this deep feelings of peace and serenity.

Great deals at Amazon.com for hand made wood carved Buddha masks:


See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

Other popular related articles:

1. History and meaning of Buddha masks
2. Introduction to masks
3. African masks
4. Ritual masks of the world
5. Beginners Guide to Mask Collection

See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

Introduction to Masks

A mask is a whole or partial cover for the face. The functions of masks throughout the world are remarkably similar. Masks have two main purposes; to conceal the identity of the wearer, usually representing another person or creature, or used as a form of protection on many job sites and in sports.The use of masks dates back to man's earliest history. The origin of the mask is not known, but evidence of its presence has been found in primitive times, revealing the important role it has played in our lives. Early masks were probably made to represent animals because hunting played a large role in primitive societies.

People of many cultures-both recent and ancient-have made masks. Gold, stone, wood, bark, copper, bronze, tin, clay, feathers, and ivory are some of the materials used in mask making. Some masks are also decorated with colors, patterns, and textures. The resulting piece might look fierce, festive, or solemn. Some masks are one part of an elaborate costume.

Some times even experts can’t know the exact function of a particular mask because there are no records of its original use. What they can do is make suggestions and guesses regarding the intentions of the artist and the wearer. The meaning of the mask and the mask ceremony remain a mystery to the outsider. In the modern world, people might collect masks, and museums might display them, but originally the masks had a specific purpose. They were much more than decorative art objects.

The earliest known allusion to mask use is found in a Southern France cave. It is believed to have been painted around 20,000 BC. The art depicts a human masked in deer skin and antlers.Masks in traditional societies are not thought of as art objects. They are functioning sacred objects imbued with tremendous power and used for ancestor workshop, healing, funerals, social prestige and control, as well as initiation and fertility rites. Symbolic masks were devised to be worn during ceremonies of many ancient peoples. These masks portrayed gods, animals and spirits and were worn ceremonially for communicating with supernatural forces believed to rule the universe.

The classic drama of ancient Greece brought theatrical masks to the height of development. They were slightly larger than life size and made of canvas. They were often fitted at the mouth and made with a small megaphone for amplification of the actor's voice. Masks representing particular emotions or characters are worn in traditional Japanese no plays.There are many types of commonly known masks that are simple disguises. One such disguise is the domino, which is a plain cloth half mask and is worn on such occasions as a masquerade ball. Another is the handkerchief which can be tied over the nose and mouth and used as a makeshift protective mask. Western outlaws and bandits in the movies found this disguise quite acceptable.




Many modern criminals often wear ski masks to cover the entire head, as well as women's pantyhose as a mask. One of the most commonly recognized types of masks is the false face. It represents another person or creature and made usually of paper mache or plastic. It is most commonly worn on such occasions as Halloween and Marti Gras.

People have used masks for many other reasons as well. For example, actors from ancient Greece and Rome played some roles wearing masks. This was to facilitate the actor’s impersonation of the character. The Japanese and Chinese still use elaborate masks in some of their traditional theater. Although in Western society most actors do not use masks in theater anymore, a pair of masks, one comic and one tragic, have become a widely recognized symbol of drama.

People make masks for many other reasons, too. Tibetans hang brightly colored, fierce-looking masks to scare away demons. The Hopi Native American tribe in the south-western United States, make kachinas, masks representing helpful spirits. The ancient Egyptians made masks that covered their mummies.

It doesn't matter how much you know or don't know about masks, you can appreciate the appearance of a mask even if you know nothing about its meaning. But if you can learn how and why the mask was used, you can increase you appreciation of it and understand the cultural traditions of the people that made it.

Other popular related articles:

1. History and meaning of Buddha masks
2. Introduction to masks
3. African masks
4. Ritual masks of the world
5. Beginners Guide to Mask Collection

See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

African Masks history and meaning

In Africa masks can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. These art objects were, and are still made of various materials, included are leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood.
African masks are considered amongst the finest creations in the art world and are highly sought after by art collectors. Many of the pieces some replica's, can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts of the world. Masking ceremonies in Africa have great cultural and traditional significance. Latest developments and understanding of Aesthetic principles, religious and ceremonial values, have brought about a greater insight into the ideas and moral values that African artists express in their art.

During celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace and trouble times, African masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. It can be worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise. African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer.
Ritual ceremonies generally depict deities, spirits of ancestors, mythological beings, good and or evil, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings believed to have power over humanity. Masks of human ancestors or totem ancestors (beings or animals to which a clan or family traces its ancestry) are often objects of family pride; when they are regarded as the dwelling of the spirit they represent, the masks may be honored with ceremonies and gifts.

During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during this state of mind he "communicate" with his ancestors. A wise man or translator sometimes accompanies the wearer of the mask during the ritual. The dancer brings forth messages of wisdom from his ancestors. Often the messages are grunted utterances and the translator will accurately decipher the meaning of the message. Rituals and ceremonies are always accompanied with song, dance and music, played with traditional African musical instruments.

For thousands of years, rituals and ceremonies was and to a lesser extent is still an integral part of African life. The gradual, effects of parceled out territories to Colonial governments, and the ensuing damage to traditional economies followed by the displacement of huge quantities of people, by colonialism, resulted in economies and food production systems being wrecked. In general the vast number of people have lost some of its tribal identity and culture, hence masking ceremonies are no longer common place in Africa.

Great specials on African wood carved Masks




Other popular related articles:

1. History and meaning of Buddha masks
2. Introduction to masks
3. African masks
4. Ritual masks of the world
5. Beginners Guide to Mask Collection

See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

Ritual masks of the world

Ritual masks occur throughout the world, and although they tend to share many characteristics, highly distinctive forms have developed. The function of the masks may be magical or religious; they may appear in rites of passage or as a make-up for a form of theatre. Equally masks may disguise a penitent or preside over important ceremonies; they may help mediate with spirits, or offer a protective role to the society who utilise their powers.


Africa:



There are an enormous variety of masks used in Africa. In West Africa, masks are used in masquerades that form part of religious ceremonies enacted to communicate with spirits and ancestors. Examples are the masquerades of the Yoruba, Igbo and Edo cultures, including Egungun Masquerades and Northern Edo Masquerades. The masks are usually carved with an extraordinary skill and variety by artists who will usually have received their training as an apprentice to a master carver - frequently it is a tradition that has been passed down within a family through many generations. Such an artist holds a respected position in tribal society because of the work that he or she creates, embodying not only complex craft techniques but also spiritual/social and symbolic knowledge. African masks are also used in the Mas or Masquerade of the Caribbean Carnival.
Djolé (also known as Jolé or Yolé) is a mask-dance from Temine people in Sierra Leone. Males wear the mask, although it does depict a female.

Fang mask used for the ngil ceremony, an inquisitorial search for sorcerers. Wood, Gabon, 19th century.

Many African masks represent animals. Some African tribes believe that the animal masks can help them communicate with the spirits who live in forests or open savannas. People of Burkina Faso known as the Bwa and Nuna call to the spirit to stop destruction. The Dogon of Mali have complex religions that also have animal masks. Their beliefs are in three main cults - the Awa, cult of the dead, Bini, cult of communication with spirits and Lebe, cult of earth and nature. These three main cults nevertheless use seventy-eight different types of masks. Most of the ceremonies of the Dogon culture are secret, although the antelope dance is shown to non-Dogons. The antelope masks are rough rectangular boxes with several horns coming out of the top. The Dogons are expert agriculturists and the antelope symbolizes a hard working farmer.

Another culture that has a very rich agricultural tradition is the Bamana people of Mali. The antelope (called Chiwara) is believed to have taught man the secrets of agriculture. Although the Dogons and Bamana people both believe the antelope symbolises agriculture, they interpret elements the masks differently. To the Bamana people, swords represent the sprouting of grain.
Masks may also indicate a culture’s ideal of feminine beauty. The masks of Punu of Gabon have highly arched eyebrows, almost almond-shaped eyes and a narrow chin. The raised strip running from both sides of the nose to the ears represent jewellery. Dark black hairstyle, tops the mask off. The whiteness of the face represent the whiteness and beauty of the spirit world. Only men wear the masks and perform the dances with high stilts despite the masks representing women. One of the most beautiful representations of female beauty is the Idia’s Mask of Benin. It is believed to have been commissioned by a king of Benin in memory of his mother. To honor his dead mother, the king wore the mask on his hip during special ceremonies.

The Senoufo people of the Ivory Coast represent tranquility by making masks with eyes half-shut and lines drawn near the mouth. The Temne of Sierra Leone use masks with small eyes and mouths to represent humility and humbleness. They represent wisdom by making bulging forehead. Other masks that have exaggerated long faces and broad foreheads symbolize the soberness of one’s duty that comes with power. War masks are also popular. The Grebo of the Ivory Coast carve masks with round eyes to represent alertness and anger, with the straight nose to represent unwillingness to retreat.

Today, the qualities of African art are beginning to be more understood and appreciated. However most African masks are now being produced for the tourist trade. Although they often show skilled craftsmanship, they nearly always lack the spiritual character of the traditional tribal masks.


Oceania



The variety and beauty of the masks of Melanesia are almost as highly developed as in Africa. It is a culture where ancestor worship is dominant and religious ceremonies are devoted to ancestors. Inevitably many of the mask types relate to use in these ceremonies and are linked with the activities of secret societies. The mask is regarded as an instrument of revelation, giving form to the sacred. This is often accomplished by linking the mask to an ancestral presence, and thus bringing the past into the present.

As a culture of scattered islands and peninsulars Melanesian mask forms have developed in a highly diversified fashion, with a great deal of variety in their construction and aesthetic.[8] In Papua New Guinea six metre-high totem masks are placed to protect the living from spirits; whereas the duk-duk and tubuan masks of New Guinea are used to enforce social codes by intimidation. They are conical masks, made from cane and leaves.[9]


North America




Arctic Coastal groups have tended towards rudimentary religious practice but a highly evolved and rich mythology, especially concerning hunting. In some areas annual shamanic ceremonies involved masked dances and these strongly abstracted masks are arguably the most striking artifacts produced in this region.

Pacific Northwest Coastal indigenous groups were generally highly skilled woodworkers. Their masks were often master-pieces of carving, sometimes with movable jaws, or a mask within a mask, and parts moved by pulling cords. The carving of masks were an important feature of wood craft, along with many other features that often combined the utilitarian with the symbolic, such as shields, canoes, poles and houses.

Woodland tribes, especially in the North-East and around the Great Lakes, cross-fertilized culturally with one another. The Iroquois made spectacular wooden ‘false face’ masks, used in healing ceremonies and carved from living trees. These masks appear in a great variety of shapes, depending on their precise function.

Pueblo craftsmen produced impressive work for masked religious ritual, especially the Hopi and Zuni. The kachinas, god/spirits, frequently take the form of highly distinctive and elaborate masks that are used in ritual dances. These are usually made of leather with appendages of fur, feathers or leaves. Some cover the face, some the whole head and are often highly abstracted forms. Navajo masks appear to be inspired by the Pueblo prototypes. [10]

Latin America
Distinctive styles of masks began to emerge in pre-Hispanic America about 1200BC, although there is evidence of far older mask forms. In the Andes masks were used to dress the faces of the dead. These were originally made of fabric but later burial masks were sometimes made of beaten copper or gold, and occasionally of clay.

For the Aztecs human skulls were prized as war trophies and skull masks were not uncommon. Masks were also used as part of court entertainments, possibly combining political with religious significance.

In post-colonial Latin America pre-Columbian traditions merged with Christian rituals, and syncretic masquerades and ceremonies, such as All Souls/Day of the Dead developed, despite efforts of the Church to stamp out the indigenous traditions. Masks remain an important feature of popular carnivals and religious dances, such as The Dance of the Moors and Christians. Mexico, in particular, retains a great deal of creativity in the production of masks, encouraged by collectors. Wrestling matches, where it is common for the participants to wear masks, are very popular and many of the wrestlers can be considered folk heroes. For instance, the popular wrestler El Santo continued wearing his mask after retirement, revealed his face briefly only in old age, and was buried wearing his silver mask.


Asia



India/Sri Lanka/Indo-China/Indonesia
Masked characters, usually divinities, are a central feature of Indian dramatic forms, many based on depicting the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Countries that have had strong Indian cultural influences – Cambodia, Burma, Java, Thailand, Vietnam – have developed the Indian forms, combined with local myths, and developed their own characteristic styles.
The masks* are usually highly exaggerated and formalised, and share an aesthetic with the carved images of monstrous heads that dominate the facades of Hindu and Buddhist temples. These faces or Kirtimukhas, 'Visages of Glory', are intended to ward off evil and are associated with the animal world as well as the divine. During ceremonies these visages are given active form in the great mask dramas of the South and South-eastern Asian region. [13]

China
In China masks are thought to have originated in ancient religious ceremonies. Images of people wearing masks have been found in rock paintings along the Yangtze River. Later mask forms brings together myths and symbols from Shamanism and Buddhism.

Shigong dance masks were used in shamanic rituals to thank the gods, while Nuo dance masks protected from bad spirits. Wedding masks were used to pray for good luck and a lasting marriage, and “Swallowing Animal” masks were associated with protecting the home and symbolised the “swallowing” of disaster. Opera masks were used in a basic 'Common' form of opera performed without a stage or backdrops. These led to colourful facial patterns that we see in today's Jingju (Beijing Opera).

Japan
Japanese masks are part of a very old and highly sophisticated and stylized theatrical tradition. Although the roots are in prehistoric myths and cults they have developed into refined art forms. The oldest masks are the gigaku. The form no longer exists, and was probably a type of dance presentation. The bugaku developed from this – a complex dance-drama that used masks with moveable jaws.

The nō or noh mask evolved from the gigaku and bugaku and are acted entirely by men. The masks are worn throughout very long performances and are consequently very light. The nō mask is the supreme achievement of Japanese mask-making. Nō masks represent gods, men, women, madmen and devils, and each category has many sub-divisions. Kyōgen are short farces with their own masks, and accompany the tragic nō plays. Kabuki is the theatre of modern Japan, rooted in the older forms, but in this form masks are replaced by painted faces. [15]

Middle East

Golden masks excavated in Kalmakareh, Lorestan, Iran. First half of first Millennium BC. National Museum of Iran.

Theatre in the Middle East, as elsewhere, was initially of a ritual nature, dramatising man’s relationship with nature, the gods, and other human beings. It grew out of sacred rites of myths and legends performed by priests and lay actors at fixed times and often in fixed locations. Folk theatre — mime, mask, puppetry, farce, juggling - had a ritual context in that it was performed at religious or rites of passage such as days of naming, circumcisions, and marriages. Over time some of these contextual ritual enactments became divorced from their religious meaning and they were performed throughout the year. Some 2500 years ago, kings and commoners alike were entertained by dance and mime accompanied by music where the dancers often wore masks, a vestige of an earlier era when such dances were enacted as religious rites. According to George Goyan, this practice evoked that of Roman funeral rites where masked actor-dancers represented the deceased with motions and gestures mimicking those of the deceased while singing the praise of his life (see Masks in Performance above).

Europe

Masks are used throughout Europe, and are frequently integrated into regional folk celebrations and customs. Old masks are preserved and can be seen in museums and other collections, and much research has been undertaken into the historical origins of masks. Most probably represent nature spirits, and as a result many of the associated customs are seasonal. The original significance would have survived only until the introduction of Christianity which then incorporated many of the customs into its own traditions. In the process their meanings were also changed so, for example, old gods and goddesses were, literally, demonised and became devils.

Many of the masks and characters used in European festivals belong to the contrasting categories of the 'good', or 'idealised beauty', set against the 'ugly' or 'beastly' and grotesque. This is particularly true of the Germanic and Central European festivals. Another common type is the Fool, sometimes considered to be the synthesis of the two contrasting type of Handsome and Ugly.

The oldest representations of masks are animal masks, such as the cave paintings of Lascaux in the Dordogne in southern France. Such masks survive in the alpine regions of Austria and Switzerland, and may be connected with hunting or shamanism, and tend to be particularly associated with the New Year and Carnival festivals.

The debate about the meaning of these and other mask forms continues in Europe, where monsters, bears, wild men, harlequins, hobby horses and other fanciful characters appear in carnivals throughout the continent. It is generally accepted that the masks, noise, colour and clamour are meant to drive away the forces of darkness and winter, and open the way for the spirits of light and the coming of spring.

In the beginning of the new century, in 19th August 2004, the Bulgarian archeologist Georgi Kitov discovered a 673g golden mask of a Thracian king in the burial mound "Svetitsata" near Shipka, Central Bulgaria. It is a very fine piece of workmanship made out of massive 23к gold. Unlike other masks discovered in the Balkans (of which 3 are in Republic of Macedonia and two in Greece), it is now kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia. It is considered to be the mask of the Thracian king Teres.

You can also find out more about mask collecting here:
http://oraclemask.blogspot.com/2008/12/beginners-guide-to-mask-collecting.html

Other popular related articles:

1. History and meaning of Buddha masks
2. Introduction to masks
3. African masks
4. Ritual masks of the world
5. Beginners Guide to Mask Collection

See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

Beginners Guide to Mask Collecting

How to buy, organize, maintain, and display a mask collection

Many different cultures produce tribal masks. Some are for tribal rites and religious celebrations, while others are designed for parties, plays, holiday celebrations, or just for hanging on the wall. Modern protective masks used for sports and specialized work are also included.


Find what you like and go for it
An all-encompassing collection may not be best for everyone. Most collectors choose to specialize. While the majority of collectors do not necessarily always practice what they preach, it is advisable that the beginning collector focus mainly on a particular region or type of artwork. You can also start your collection by buying some of the hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask

Here are some suggestions:
• Any country or region
• A subject such as men, women, animals, devils or monsters
• Material of construction
• Usage When selecting an area of interest, keep in mind that some categories are more accessible and therefore more affordable. For example, Mexican masks are plentiful, but those of Northwest Coast Native Americans are quite scarce; original movie monster mask are hard to find, but reproductions of the same characters can be readily purchased.

Many currently available masks come from areas that still produce a lot of folk art. Few could be considered rare or old. In fact, many masks can still be purchased on the Internet for less than $50 each, so one need not spend a lot of money to begin their collection.

Begin by researching
The best investment a new collector can make is in a library. Some of the best books are out of print but are usually available on the Web from specialized book dealers.
Go to museums. Check the Internet for sites on masks and tribal art. If you live near a large urban area, try to visit art auctions, shops, galleries, or other collectors. The nice thing about the latter group is they will allow you to get close to masks and actually handle them. Also, you'll be conversing with people who know a lot about the field and will gladly share their knowledge. The more one studies books and actually handles masks, the better one becomes at identifying masks worth purchasing.

You're now ready to start collecting. You could go back to those shops, galleries, and museum stores that sell masks. They will be glad to see you and your checkbook, and you can probably count on them for quality and authenticity.

There are more affordable alternatives. Flea markets and yard sales can be a source for occasional good buys. I've spent many weekends searching these venues. Back in the 1970s, tribal art was unappreciated and dealers would sell those "ugly masks" for very little money. Not any more.

Save money and shoe leather
The market for masks and other tribal art has grown. Those unappreciative dealers are now asking high prices for their masks. This was becoming a problem, until eBay saved the day.
Much of the buying and selling of tribal art now takes place on the Internet. It is like a giant, worldwide flea market that specializes in whatever you want. You can review hundreds of masks in an hour, instead of walking an entire weekend just to see three or four.

EBay can be risky. Often you must base your decision to purchase on a small photograph and a written description. Look for reputable eBay dealers with a high feedback ratings and detailed descriptions & photos. Often you can find a bargain when a mask is listed under the wrong category so search all categories thoroughly.

Caring for your collection
Most masks are made to be used and are quite desirable. If seriously damaged, they may be repaired, but I would caution against doing it on your own. Even when done by an expert, repairs can lower the mask's value. Obvious repairs and changes in appearance are strongly discouraged. It is best to just give the item a light cleaning and hang it on the wall as is.
Sometimes masks, especially those from tropical countries, may be infested with insect larva. It doesn't happen very often, but if you are ever surprised by these unwanted guests, here's what to do: Put the mask in a freezer for two weeks, defrost for two weeks, then back in the freezer for another two weeks. An alternate method is to fumigate the items in the fumigation chamber of a local pesticide company. Often the charge is low because they can put it in with a batch of furniture. I have also heard that baking the mask in a 200 degree oven for 15 minutes or longer has proved successful (exercise extreme caution if attempting this method).

Keep both photographic and written records of your mask purchases. Print out closed eBay auction page for your records. Today's inexpensive digital cameras are also ideal for this purpose. Store the pictures on a computer and make a copy or printout for storage someplace else. Photo records are necessary if you ever want to sell or have a mask appraised, or in case of fire or theft. These photo records can also be used for communication with fellow collectors around the world. Keep photo files small so they can be conveniently attached to e-mail documents.

Showing them off
The obvious way to display masks is to hang them on the wall. A solid white or some neutral color as the background is best. As you acquire more and more masks, I would suggest moving them closer together on the wall rather than putting them everywhere. Of course, you'll have to get out the spackling compound and touch-up paint occasionally.

Collectors can also use special metal stands that come in various sizes. They are designed for both regular and the helmet-type masks. The regular type have two spring steel arms that snap into the rear sides of the mask and hold it above the base, whereas the helmet-style stands are a straight rod with a smaller plate welded on the top. Masks on stands can be displayed on tables and can be enjoyed from different angles. You can purchase steel stands on eBay for as little as $25 each (Watch out for high shipping charges which can easily double the price). An inexpensive alternative is to search for old candle stands, or even lamp stands, which can be altered to create unique & handsome displays for your masks.

Some large masks look great hung from the ceiling. Clear monofilament is good for this. If you are lucky enough to purchase a complete costume that goes with a mask you'll need a department store mannequin or a large stand with a crossbar.

Why do people collect masks?
Masks are a blend of painting and sculpture that dramatically reflect the creativity of different cultures. These unexpected forms, colors, and textures can be very exciting. They serve as excellent decorative tools as well as outstanding conversation pieces.

Topics for discussion are limitless including: How masks serve as symbols in rites of passage and in festivals, the perceived symbolism behind a particular mask, the vast & varied cultures from which these masks originate the expression achieved using only the crudest of tools. One can contemplate endlessly on the people, places, purposes, social significance, and artistry of these pieces, in the process gaining unique perspectives on the people who make the masks and the societies that use them.

The collector will find that masks are beautiful objects of art in their own right, as well as fascinating statements about the people and places from which they come.

Collecting tribal art will prove a highly rewarding and entertaining experience. As you learn about and acquire new pieces, your collection will grow in size and in value. But far more important that any monetary appreciation will be your personal appreciation of the art, people, and cultures that intermingle to create your own personal unique tribal art collection.

We here at Oraclemasks will be glad to assist you on making informed purchases of all kinds of masks, especially wooden masks. So please check in with us regularly and see what specials we have for sale.

Other popular related articles:

1. History and meaning of Buddha masks
2. Introduction to masks
3. African masks
4. Ritual masks of the world
5. Beginners Guide to Mask Collection

See more hand carved wood masks of Oraclemask