THE COLLECTION
Masks are much more than just disguises!

In festivals and holidays around the world, masks elevate humans into the realm of gods and demons alike. However, masks are more than just a simple disguise. They turn the sacred and mundane into the magical and can exude great power. The function of the mask may be to personify spirits, gods, or ancestors, to assume social control, or teach lessons in morality. Masks are sometimes worn to help people feel that they have some control over their lives. Some are worn for absolute fun.

Spirit of the Mask shows a variety of masks from around the world and their uses. This exhibit shows: Carnival, Celebration, Dance, Healing, Death, Theater, Ancestor Worship, Initiation, Midwinter, and Fertility.

The mask is only part of a ritual which also involves musicians, singers and dancers. In many cultures it is hard to draw a line between the performers and the audience. Here you will see only the masks which can be appreciated as stunningly beautiful works of art.

This display exhibit of SPIRIT OF THE MASK contains approximately ninety- five masks from five continents, more than fifty countries, and nearly a dozen Native American tribes. Some of the countries are Bali, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Brazil, Bolivia, Germany, Mexico, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, New Guinea, Mali, Zaire, Russia, Sweden, Holland, and Switzerland.

Dating from the early 1900s, these masks from my private collection range from the simple to the elaborate. Although masks are commonly carved from wood, mask makers typically make masks with what they have locally. Special masks are enhanced with real teeth, horsehair, jewels, gold leaf, coins, wolf fur, feathers, mirrors and even blood. Because of their beauty and power, masks can be seen in museums and appreciated for works of art.

To emphasize their authentic cultural usage, ten photographs will accompany the masks. Four will be enlarged into photo murals to further enhance the display. In order to display this exhibit in a pleasing manner, a highly secured gallery with 1,500 to2,000 square feet and 200-250 linear feet of wall space is necessary.

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