I have had a long lasting love affair with masks. Maybe it’s all that theater I did in high school and college, but I love the mystery that masks hold, what I feel like when I’m wearing one and how it transforms me, and the energy they give off when on display, especially in concert with other masks. In many cultures, masks are used in rituals and are a central part of traditional ceremonies–they are believed to carry the spirits of their makers, or of ancestors, or even of gods.
African masks are particularly inspiring to me — and of course, were a major jumping-off point for many “Modernists” of the 20th century and greatly influenced works of painters like Picasso and Matisse.
The above pic is actually from my wedding day, when Jason and his best men/lady were getting dressed in our home and had some fun with some pieces from our personal mask collection.
Masks can be tricky though. They are so powerful. Sometimes they can teeter on looking a bit creepy to me, and personally, I’m not about creepy vibes in my home or on my walls, so I’ve learned to pinpoint masks that give off the kind vibes I want in my home. Of course this will vary from home to home, person to person, but I’ve selected some favorites that I find particularly inspiring from our partner site, Chairish.
How do you feel about hanging masks on your walls?
Shavonda Gardner says
So funny you should post this today! I literally just installed a mask on the wall in our laundry room against my Aja wallpwer! I agree with you friend, masks can be very very creepy and theres a fine line. I do really love them, though.
Carrie says
I have two a good friend from South Africa gave me, love them! They bring a different culture and interest into my home!
Brenda Boone says
Ive had African Masks, I go by what my intuition tells me. The scary ones you know they were used in some kind of a ceremony, or ritual. You just know what to leave alone.
Kai EL' Zabar says
I love African Masks as well as those from any other culture that speak to me. I love the pregnant mask which is the sculpted pregnant abdomen and breasts of a woman. I find that fascinating. The numerous uses of masks is also quite interesting and complex at once. I choose those that call out to me and they grace my walls. Masks from the Dogon people, the Fang, Vuvi peoples and those from the Ivory Coast, Senegal Cameroon, Gabon Mali,Ghana and any Mask with Corey shells and raffia.
Maria Jose says
From where you collected all this mask its looks great. We will also make same concept for our next flats in kerala project
Heinrich says
Amazing Mask on Walls. Very unique, I was searching for this kind of thing from past few days for my Kitchen Set and I finally found it. Keep sharing such blogs cause it will help many users. Thankyou!
thorne garnet says
love ’em! I’ve got 6 in my den. A couple from Indonesia(brought back by my brother in law), 2 fake Chinese ones from TJMaxx an African one and a large one from Haiti. They add so much to the space.
Liao Kelly says
Wow the blog you give us is amazing, no wonder many people want to read this.