Masks from Europe

These highly crafted masks show the skills and traditions of the European past, and how its costumes and cultures have spread throughout the world. From markets and shopping malls rather than galleries, these contemporary masks show the same strong myths and long history as masks from museums. They also show the vibrancy of living craftsmen.

Varied and detailed, these masks let the thoughtful reader see what's common to all masks, what makes them such a powerful form of indigenous art in all cultures, while yet rooted in their countries of origin. Greek masks represent Greek gods, French costume masks reflect pre-revolutionary France, masks from the ancient city of Prague; all speak of the tumultuous history that created a distinctively European civilization. This book tempts young reader to open the library doors, and explore.