What first impressed Garth Dahl about masks were their vivid colours, varied materials and interesting, sometimes complex facial impressions.

In fact, Dahl was so taken with them that he decided to begin collecting masks.

It was later that their anthropological significance grew on him and he began to research the stories behind the masks themselves.

Now, apart from possessing a large collections of masks, he has published a book which he hopes will be used as an educational and inspirational tool in the home and the classroom.

A Brookswood resident, Dahl became interested in masks almost 20 years ago while on a trip to Mexico. While traveling in Costa Rica a few years later, he bought his first mask.

His collection has now grown to 100, of which 74 are colourfully presented in his recently published book, Masks From Around the World: A Personal Collection.

Masks evoke history, reminding people of past experience.

"I see a cross-section of humanity, and a wonderful spectrum of the different ways we see ourselves," says Dahl.

He began to see further behind the masks he had acquired, delving into the cultures of the people, the reasons the masks were made, and the rituals they represent.

This passionate interest would send him on many journeys to Central and South America, Asia, and Europe.

Despite his globetrotting, Dahl has discovered some of his most interesting masks right here in B.C.

Two of his favourites, "Aristocrat" and "French Maiden," were bought in a store in Cloverdale.

They were made by the artistic team of Micheline Larose and Georges Gamache who have since gone on to international acclaim, their work in high demand.

Other masks in Dahl's collection include the teak "Two-headed Swordsman" from South Africa, "Fishbones and Bird Feathers" from Brazil, and a number from the Pacific Northwest.

Included in the book is an in-depth interview with Haida artist Reg Davidson, whose carving is a continuation of the native art of mask-making.

Also recorded for the first time is the the End of Mourning ceremony in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, detailing the repatriation of native bones to their proper burial grounds.

Dahl is a qualified naturopath with experience in the field of complementary health practices, and a writer of children's books and poetry.

Through publication of his book he hopes to reach a wider audience, not only educating but enlightening the reader to discover the oneness of the world through the culture of masks.

Visit www.masksfromaroundtheworld.ca for more information.