,

Krampus Frauenmaske

TITLE: Krampus Frauenmaske
TYPE: helmet mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Austria
ETHNICITY: Tyrolean
DESCRIPTION: Krampus Female Mask
CATALOG ID: EUAT016
MAKER: Josef “Sepp” Seidl (Sankt Veit im Pongau, 1975- )
CEREMONY: Krampuslauf
AGE: 2021
MAIN MATERIAL: Swiss stone pine wood
OTHER MATERIALS: goat and yak hair; springbok horns; deer leather; acrylic paint; foam rubber; caulking

Krampuslauf (the Krampus Parade) is a winter event that forms part of the Christmas festivities in much of Austria and parts of southern Germany, Switzerland, northern Italy, and the Balkan states. From mid-November until the first week of December, many towns organize a parade of Krampuses, demons who represent evil spirits with frightening horned masks with sharp teeth and long, lolling tongues, typically in a suit of goat skin with loud cowbells attached to their belt.  They carry a whip of birch branches (a Rute) or a cowtail. Their function is to accompanying St. Nicholas, who rewards good children with treats and presents, while the Krampuses punish bad children by beating them with their whips or throwing them into wicker baskets on their backs to carry down to Hell for punishment. Although different regions celebrate Krampuslauf on different days, the traditional Krampus Day is December 5, and the traditional St. Nicholaus Day is December 6. Krampuses may march on both days.

Increasingly the Krampuses parade with female masqueraders, sometimes one to a group and occasionally in groups composed mostly or entirely of female Krampuses. This mask represents a particularly ferocious female Krampus and was worn in Krampuslaufen from 2021 until 2024.

: /by
, ,

Krampus Mask

TITLE: Krampus Mask
TYPE: helmet mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Austria
ETHNICITY: German (Austrian)
DESCRIPTION: Black Krampus Mask
CATALOG ID: EUAT015
MAKER: Miguel Walch (Zams, 1980- )
CEREMONY: Krampuslauf
AGE: 2016
MAIN MATERIAL: Swiss stone pine wood
OTHER MATERIALS: domestic goat horns; acrylic eyes; dyed leather; deer leather; foam rubber; hardware; adhesive; goat hair; putty

Krampuslauf (the Krampus Parade) is a winter event that forms part of the Christmas festivities in much of Austria and parts of southern Germany, Switzerland, northern Italy, and the Balkan states. From mid-November until the first week of December, many towns organize a parade of Krampuses, demons who represent evil spirits with frightening horned masks with sharp teeth and long, lolling tongues, typically in a suit of goat skin with loud cowbells attached to their belt.  They carry a whip of birch branches (a Rute) or a cowtail. Their function is to accompanying St. Nicholas, who rewards good children with treats and presents, while the Krampuses punish bad children by beating them with their whips or throwing them into wicker baskets on their backs to carry down to Hell for punishment. Although different regions celebrate Krampuslauf on different days, the traditional Krampus Day is December 5, and the traditional St. Nicholaus Day is December 6. Krampuses may march on both days.

This mask was carved by the talented artist Miguel Walch and worn by Mathias Hosp in Krampuslaufen from 2016 until 2018.

: /by
, ,

Krampus Mask

TITLE: Krampus Mask
TYPE: helmet mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Austria
ETHNICITY: German (Austrian)
DESCRIPTION: Black Krampus Mask
CATALOG ID: EUAT014
MAKER: Patrick “Pazi” Schmuck (Radmer, 1988- )
CEREMONY: Krampuslauf
AGE: 2024
MAIN MATERIAL: Swiss stone pine wood
OTHER MATERIALS: goat horns; goat leather and fur; horsehair; acrylic paint; hardware; putty; handmade glass eyes; adhesive; rubber strip; foam rubber; synthetic plastic band

Krampuslauf (the Krampus Parade) is a winter event that forms part of the Christmas festivities in much of Austria and parts of southern Germany, Switzerland, northern Italy, and the Balkan states. From mid-November until the first week of December, many towns organize a parade of Krampuses, demons who represent evil spirits with frightening horned masks with sharp teeth and long, lolling tongues, typically in a suit of goat skin with loud cowbells attached to their belt.  They carry a whip of birch branches (a Rute) or a cowtail. Their function is to accompanying St. Nicholas, who rewards good children with treats and presents, while the Krampuses punish bad children by beating them with their whips or throwing them into wicker baskets on their backs to carry down to Hell for punishment. Although different regions celebrate Krampuslauf on different days, the traditional Krampus Day is December 5, and the traditional St. Nicholaus Day is December 6. Krampuses may march on both days.

This mask was carved by the talented artist Pazi Schmuck and worn in the 2024 Krampuslauf by Philip Györög (Mürzzuschlag, 1994- ).

: /by
, ,

Tapuanu Mask

TITLE: Tapuanu Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Oceania
COUNTRY: Micronesia, Federated States of
SUBREGION: Nomoi (Mortlock) Islands
ETHNICITY: Micronesian
DESCRIPTION: Tapuanu Mask
CATALOG ID: OCFM003
MAKER: Unknown
CEREMONY: Soutapuana Society
FUNCTION: Agriculture; Protection; Secret Society
AGE: 1890s-1920s
MAIN MATERIAL: breadfruit wood
OTHER MATERIALS: natural pigments (lime and coal)

The Micronesian islands are inhabited by an ethnic mix of Melanesian, Polynesian and Filipino peoples. The Nomoi Islands (formerly known as the Mortlock Islands) are a group of three large atolls in the Chuuk region of Micronesia: Satawan, Etal, and Lukunor. The Micronesian people have only a single kind of face mask, known as tapuanu, and created by the Soutapuana Society. The mask represents a protective ancestor spirit, and is danced in beachside and sacred house ceremonies to ward off typhoons that might harm the breadfruit tree, an important source of food for the inhabitants of the islands.  tapuanu mask danced by the Soutapuana Secret Society of the Nomoi Islands during ceremonies to protect the village and its breadfruit trees from natural disasters. The tapuanu can also frighten away ghosts that steal food.

: /by
, , ,

Fašiangy Mask

TITLE: Fašiangy Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Slovakia
SUBREGION: N/A
ETHNICITY: Slovak
DESCRIPTION: Fašiangy Mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Fašiangy (Shrovetide)
FUNCTION: Agriculture; Celebration; Entertainment; Protection/Purification
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: leather and wool
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

Slovakia has a traditional masquerade during Fašiangy (Shrovetide), between Three Kings Day (January 6) and Ash Wednesday). The masks are made from wood or leather and used in village processions to ward off evil and bring a bountiful harvest. Characters include the turoň (a bull-like creature representing strength and fertility), medved (the bear, representing prosperity and protection), koza (a goat, symbol of vitality but a prankster), and the Turčianski Vlci (wolves of the Turiec area, which frighten away winter). There are also frequently allegorical characters, such as Death and Winter, the Gypsy, the Chimneysweep, the Soldier, and the Doctor, who perform symbolic or comedic functions. In some cases, men cross-dress as brides or grandmothers, while women cross-dress as soldiers or farmers, to subvert social roles and for comical effect. Generally, the masked rituals culminate on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with the burial of a symbolic fish (pochovávanie basy), a mock funeral to signify the end of merriment and beginning of Lenten fasting.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any Slovakian mask.

: /by
, , ,

Kurent Mask

TITLE: Kurent Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Slovenia
SUBREGION: N/A
ETHNICITY: Slovene
DESCRIPTION: Kurent (Korant) Mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A (Ptuj)
CEREMONY: Pust (Shrovetide); Kurentovanje
FUNCTION: Agriculture; Celebration; Entertainment; Protection/Purification
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: leather and wool
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

In Slovena, Pust or Shrovetide is celebrated by ancient rituals to chase away the evil spirits of winter and welcome an early spring. The rituals include the kurent, or korant, which is a masked figure in a massive sheepskin garment (kurentija), cowbells on a leather belt, a furry hat with horns or feathers, ande a sheepskin mask with a large red tongue. The masqueraders jump, whirl, clang their bells, and shout to drive away the evils spirits of winter.

Another ritual is Laufarji, a group of about 25 characters who wear linden wood masks (larfe) and surround a character known as Pust, who is covered in moss and horns, and blamed for the misfortunes of the past year.

Still another is Liški Pustje in the Soča Valley, in which masqueraders are divided into “uglies” and “beautifuls.” All wear tin, copper, or aluminum masks. The beautifuls dance to entertain the village, while the uglies (figures like the Devil or the Doctor) maintain public order or play pranks on people.

Perhaps the oldest tradition is Škoromati in Brkini, which is thought to originate in the 14th century. The masked Škopit characters carry large wooden tongs to chase away the evil, while “beautiful” masked characters visit houses to collect gifts for the new year.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any Slovenian mask.

: /by
, , ,

Sandid Mask

TITLE: Estonian Sandid Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Estonia
SUBREGION: N/A
ETHNICITY: Estonian
DESCRIPTION: Sandid Mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Santime (Mardipäev; Kadripäev)
FUNCTION: Agriculture; Celebration; Entertainment; Protection/Purification
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: leather and wool
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

Estonia has several forms of masquerade, all involving mumming rituals known as sandid (vagrants). On St. Martin’s Day (November 10), the Mardipäev celebration features Mardisandid, who wear dark, masculine, “ugly” masks of birch bark, fur, or wool. They represent spirits of the earth and harvest, and are intended to promote agriculture. On St. Catherine’s Day (Nov. 25), the Karidpäev celebration features Kadrisandid, who wear white, feminine, and “beautiful” measks to celebrate the arrival of snowy winter. In addition, winter celebrants may wear animal masks while singing, telling riddles and jokes, and otherwise performing to bring good fortune and a bountiful harvest to the villages.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any Estonian mask.

: /by
, , ,

Latvian Winter Mask

TITLE: Latvian Winter Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Latvia
SUBREGION: N/A
ETHNICITY: Latvian
DESCRIPTION: ķekatas (budēļi)
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Mārtini; Ziemassvētki; Užgavēnis
FUNCTION: Agriculture; Celebration; Entertainment; Protection/Purification
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

Latvian masks are primarily worn at winter festivals such as Mārtini (early November), the Advent season before Ziemassvētki (Christmas), or Užgavēnis (Shrovetide) in towns such as Kurzeme, V idzeme, or Latgale. They are typically crudely made and represent animals, human characters such as beggars or shepherds, or mythological beings such as spirits, devils, or Death itself. The purpose of the masquerade is to frighten away evil winter spirits and bring blessings, good harvests, and protection of crops. The masqueraders frequently play a satirical role and violate social norms.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any Latvian mask.

: /by
, ,

Abakuá Íreme

TITLE: Abakuá Íreme
TYPE: hood mask
GENERAL REGION: Caribbean
COUNTRY: Cuba
SUBREGION: Havana
ETHNICITY: Afro-Latino
DESCRIPTION: Cloth hood mask for Abakuá fraternal order
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Various
FUNCTION: Protection/Purification; Secret Society; Spirit Invocation
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: cotton cloth
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

The Abakuá Fraternal Order organizes masked dances in Cuba to celebrate its Afro-Latino heritage, particularly by invoking the masked dances of northwest Africa from which many of the slaves brought by Spaniards came. The Abakuá íreme involves a ritual outfit with colorful cloth and bells to purify and protect the village, and which parades though the streets while dancing to drums and singers. The dancer represents a spiritual presence, either an ancestor spirit or a bush spirit.

In performances, the íreme interacts with drummers, singers, and attendants, responding to rhythms and calls that structure the event. The figure may carry implements used to mark space or guide participants, though their use is governed by convention. Speech, when present, is often mediated through whistles or set phrases rather than ordinary conversation, reinforcing anonymity.

The íreme’s role is not primarily entertainment. It functions within a framework of discipline, instruction, and community order, reflecting the society’s values and history. Public appearances are shaped by local regulations and custom, and meanings can vary by lodge and neighborhood. Descriptions by outsiders are partial, as many aspects are reserved for initiated members.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any Cuban mask.

: /by
,

St. Kitts Sugar Mas Mask

TITLE: St. Kitts Sugar Mas Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Caribbean
COUNTRY: St. Kitts & Nevis
SUBREGION: N/A
ETHNICITY: Afro-Latino
DESCRIPTION: Sugar Mas Wire Mesh Mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Sugar Mas (Carnival)
FUNCTION: Celebration; Entertainment
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: metal wire mesh
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A

Sugar Mas is the Carnival-type celebration of St. Kitts & Nevis, held annually from mid-December through early January (not during the period before Lent, as in the Catholic Carnival). It blends African heritage, European influences, and local creativity. Named after the islands’ historic sugar industry, Sugar Mas honors the past while celebrating modern Kittitian and Nevisian culture. The festivities include colorful parades, calypso and soca competitions, steel pan music, and high-energy street parties. One of the most iconic elements is J’ouvert, an early-morning celebration where revelers cover themselves in paint, mud, or powder and dance through the streets to pulsating music. Masquerade dancers, clowns, and elaborate costumes showcase traditional art forms passed down through generations. Sugar Mas reaches its peak on its Carnival Day and Last Lap. The groups include actors, Moko Jumbies (masked stilt-walkers), and masked dancers.

Sugar Mas masks in St. Kitts are colorful, handcrafted works of art, often made from papier-mâché, fabric, or wire mesh. They feature exaggerated expressions, bright paints, mirrors, feathers, and sequins, reflecting African traditions, folklore, and satire while adding mystery and dramatic flair to masquerade performances.

The Museum’s collection currently includes no representative example of any St. Kitts and Nevis mask.

: /by