Masks from Around the World: A Personal Collection by Garth Dahl

In diversity, connectedness. This is the surprising thread that emerges when admiring art around the world. Take Masks—in all their raw and exuberant beauty. Art enthusiast Garth Dahl has collected masks on his travels to other countries, attracted first by the beautiful designs and later by the fascinating mythology and cultural history behind the faces. In Masks, Dahl presents 74 works from his personal collection, introducing their geographic origins, cultural history and underlying mythology. The vivid colour photographs are by Alistair Eagle.

Reader Reviews
Masks are an important part of aboriginal customs, ceremonial rituals, and cultural celebrations from time immemorial. They are also cultural icons and impressive works of art. "Masks From Around The World: A Personal Collection" by Garth Dahl represents outstanding examples of the ceremonial mask drawn from such culturally disparate ethnic backgrounds as those from communities and peoples of Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. Offering more than just a simple photo gallery of distinctive and colorful mask, "Masks From Around The World" also provides readers with informed backgrounds to their ceremonial meaning and usage. Of special note is Dahl's interview with noted West Coast carver and mask maker Reg Davidson on how makers of masks expresses their particular culture through their creations. Another valued contribution is the `End of Mourning' section drawing much needed attention to the continuing and wide-spread injustice to sacred burial grounds by treasure hunters - and even occasionally in the name of archaeological and anthropological research. Enhanced throughout with full color photography, "Masks From Around The World" is a unique and enthusiastically recommended contribution to personal, community library, and academic library Ethnological Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

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