Masks have always possessed a certain air of mystery that has fascinated people for centuries. Legend tells us that at ancient Greek festivals in honor of Dionysus, the god of theater, actors began wearing very large masks. Because the structures used to present the plays were so colossal, these masks bore exaggerated expressions so the actors could convey to their immense 25,000+ audiences different emotions and reactions. When the Romans conquered Italy, they adopted the Grecian love of theater, and the use of masks in celebrations and plays passed through Europe by way of their massive empire.

However, this is not the first, nor the only place that the integration of masks into a particular culture has taken place. Many nationalities held and some still hold celebrations and ceremonies annually to honor the dead or the natural change of seasons.

In Nigeria, the wooden Yoruba mask of an Egungun face is still made for ceremonial festivities celebrating the remembrance of ancestors. The Celtic "All Saints Day" tradition [and origin of Halloween] marked the passing of autumn to winter. Men in the community dressed up as dreaded creatures while people in the towns left out food and drink to placate the roaming souls. The Cherokee tribe of North America held the Booger Dance, associated with ghosts, which was performed as part of the winter ceremonies. These Booger Masks were affiliated with ghosts and spirits, and the performance during the winter months meant that the dance of the ghosts could not affect the growing vegetation and crops of the community. The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration, held to honor children and the dead (or the dead and the continuity of life), takes place during the first two days of November. People decorate resting places of their loved ones with real and paper flowers, and they fill the streets wearing masks bearing images of skeletons and Christian icons. The masking tradition remains a vital part of Mardi Gras in the city of New Orleans. Like its counterparts in the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, this pre-Lenten festival is framed by the original masks worn by people in masked balls, krewe members in parades, tourists and partygoers during the final crescendo of madness known as Fat Tuesday. It is a time when the individual hides behind the mask to play out the final moments of fun and to bid "farewell to the flesh" before the penitence of Lent begins.

The masks you will see here are a reflection of the beautiful and compelling art form that has been passed down from generation to generation. Each of these pieces are unique and original, not mass-produced "products". They are molded, poured, painted, and fired by native artists of a city that sees people wearing masks every day- New Orleans. When you first lift up your individually wrapped mask, you will be taken in by its stunning presentation. You'll be amazed with the excellent craftsmanship apparent by the individual decorations on the mask- EVERY MASK is handmade. Feel free to fall in love with the hand-painted eyelashes, eyebrows, makeup, lips, and designs on the faces of these signed collectors items. The first word that is always stressed in the making of all of these pieces is QUALITY. The second is IMAGINATION. Every mask is made with the philosophy that the boundaries are limitless as to what can be created. You will see masks of a different breed here- they range from theatrical to caricatures to seasonal to just about anything you can think of. You won't find things like this in a department store or tourist shop! To send someone special one of these as a gift is an excellent idea - trust us, you won't see it in their garage sale next year. What you'll see is a smile, and you'll be pleased knowing that you gave them something that will last just as long as people are fascinated with the magic and mystery of masks.

Mardi Gras Day.com, Inc.
Tel.: 985.898.2158 - FAX: 985.892.8535
Last revised: July 24, 2008 (KWarren)
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