Masks

Masks are one of the most striking things you can put up as wall decor. At Dims Studio you'll find handmade masks from the Portuguese brand Umasqu, carved in wood or shaped in ceramic, with roots in African, Balinese and South American mask traditions. Each mask is unique because it's handmade, and works as a graphic focal point on the wall that lifts the room in the same way as a painting or a sculpture. Here's a guide to materials, motifs, sizes and placement, so you can find the right mask for your wall decor.

What is a wall mask?

A mask in this context isn't something you put on, but a sculptural wall object shaped like a face or figure, intended to hang on the wall as decoration. The tradition stems from ceremonial masks used in rituals and celebrations in, among other places, Africa, South America and Indonesia, where the mask represented spirits, animals or ancestors. In modern interiors, the mask is detached from its original function and instead used as wall decor with cultural depth and a handcrafted character that sets it apart from a flat print or a poster.

Materials: masks in wood and ceramic

Dims Studio's range spans two main materials, each giving the mask its own expression.

Wooden masks

Masks in wood are hand-carved and then hand-painted, so no two examples end up quite the same. Several of the range's wooden masks, including the green and the blue eye mask, are carved and painted with visible brushstrokes, while others, like the abstract mask in 39.5x27 cm, are handmade in Bali by local artisans. The African mask in 40x20 cm is carved in wood by local craftsmen in Ghana using traditional West African techniques, where the wood's grain and knots give each mask its own imprint. The zebra mask is also hand-painted in wood, with a raw, organic black-and-white striping that highlights the wood's natural texture.

Ceramic masks

The ceramic masks are shaped and fired by hand, several of them at Umasqu's workshop in Portugal. The mandrill mask in ceramic is shaped after the mandrill's striking face at 54 cm tall and weighs around 2 kg, while the green eye mask in ceramic has a calm expression with almond-shaped eyes in a matte, ceramic surface. The African mask in 40x40 cm is shaped and glazed by hand with African-inspired features, and the peacock mask in ceramic is modelled and hand-painted with a glaze that lifts the deep blues, greens and golden tones in the plumage. Several of the abstract masks, including in 25.5x17.5 cm and 28x44 cm, are shaped with a sculptural relief and a matte, earthy finish.

Materials compared

Material	Expression	Origin in the range	Examples
Wood	Raw texture, visible brushstrokes, natural variations	Bali, Ghana	Green and blue eye, zebra, African mask in wood
Ceramic	Matte or glazed surface, sculptural relief	Portugal	Mandrill, peacock in ceramic, African mask in ceramic

Motifs: from abstract faces to animal masks

The range covers a wide variety of motifs, from pure abstract forms to recognisable animal figures.

Abstract face masks

The abstract masks, available in several sizes from 25.5x17.5 cm to 47x27 cm, work with clean lines and sculptural reliefs rather than a concrete face. Some are carved in wood, others shaped in ceramic, and what they have in common is that the light in the room plays with the mask's edges and shadows throughout the day.

Eye masks

The green and blue eye masks, in both wood and ceramic, work with a single, graphic eye motif as the carrying element. The green eye mask in wood measures 31 x 26 cm with a graphic, almost totemic expression, while the blue version in 45 x 34 cm has a three-dimensional shape that casts shadows along the wall.

Animal masks: peacock, mandrill and zebra

The animal motifs are among the most striking in the range. The peacock mask comes in both wood and ceramic in 54 x 45 cm and highlights the bird's characteristic crest and feather structure, while the mandrill's face in ceramic is shaped with respect for the animal's natural proportions in jaw and gaze. The zebra mask in wood is hand-painted with a black-and-white striping in a raw, organic expression. Also see our full range of animal wall decor if you want to combine several animal motifs on the wall.

African masks

The African masks in the range come in both wood and ceramic. The wood version in 40x20 cm is hand-carved by local craftsmen in Ghana using traditional West African techniques, while the ceramic version in 40x40 cm is shaped and glazed by hand in Portugal with African-inspired features. Both draw on a long tradition of masks as symbol-bearing craftsmanship, but are adapted to modern wall decor.

Motifs compared

Motif	Expression	Material
Abstract	Sculptural, graphic, without a concrete face	Wood or ceramic
Eye motif	Simple, totemic graphic expression	Wood or ceramic
Peacock	Detailed plumage and crown	Wood or ceramic
Mandrill	Striking jaw and intense gaze	Ceramic
Zebra	Graphic black-and-white striping	Wood
African	Ethnographic design language, cultural symbolism	Wood or ceramic

Sizes of wall masks

Size has a big impact on how striking the mask becomes on the wall. The range spans from small masks around 25 cm to large pieces over 50 cm.

• Small masks around 25 to 31 cm, such as the small abstract ceramic mask in 25.5x17.5 cm or the green and blue eye masks in 31x26 cm, work well as part of a gallery wall or on a smaller wall area.
• Medium masks from 39.5 to 47 cm, such as the abstract wood wall mask in 39.5x27 cm or the elongated abstract masks in 47x16 and 47x24 cm, work well as a solo piece above a sideboard or a side table.
• Large masks over 50 cm, such as the mandrill and peacock masks in 54x45 and 54x27 cm and the African ceramic mask in 40x40 cm, are striking enough to carry a wall alone, for example above the sofa or the headboard.

Sizes compared

Size	Typical placement	Examples
Small, approx. 25 to 31 cm	Gallery wall, shelf, narrow wall	Small abstract ceramic mask, green and blue eye
Medium, approx. 40 to 47 cm	Above sideboard or side table	Abstract masks, African mask in wood
Large, over 50 cm	Solo above sofa or headboard	Mandrill, peacock, African ceramic mask

Umasqu: the brand behind the masks

All the masks in Dims Studio's range are from Umasqu, a brand that has specialised in handmade wall masks and draws on craft traditions from several places around the world. Some of the ceramic masks are shaped and fired at a workshop in Portugal, where each mask is cast, worked and glazed by hand without the use of fixed moulds or mass production. Several of the wood versions are carved and painted by local artisans in Bali, while the African mask in wood is hand-carved in Ghana using traditional West African techniques under fair conditions. What all the masks have in common is that handcraft is at the centre, and that no two examples are ever quite the same.

Masks and interior styles

Masks work across most interior styles, but play different roles depending on how you combine them. In a minimalist home, a single large mask in wood or ceramic can work as a calm, sculptural focal point on an otherwise bare wall, where the shape and play of shadows are left to speak for themselves. In a more maximalist and colourful home, which is characteristic of Dims Studio's universe, several masks in different sizes and motifs can be mixed with textiles, ceramics and graphic prints to create a dense, personal gallery wall. In a home focused on craftsmanship and sustainability, the mask itself becomes a story, because it's shaped by hand and carries visible traces of the process it was made through.

How to hang masks

Most masks from Umasqu come with fittings or a hook on the back, ready for mounting directly on the wall, but it's a good idea to check the mounting details on each individual item, as some require screws that aren't included. Hang the mask at eye level if it's to stand as a solo piece, or let it be part of a group where you mix sizes and motifs. Always check that the wall can bear the weight, especially with the heavier ceramic masks like the mandrill, which weighs around 2 kg. If the wall is plasterboard or lightweight concrete, use a fixing designed for that wall type rather than ordinary nails.

How to care for your mask

• Wipe wooden masks gently with a dry cloth to remove dust, without wearing on the hand-painted surface.
• Wipe ceramic masks with a slightly damp cloth, and avoid harsh cleaning agents that can scratch the glaze.
• Avoid direct sunlight over long periods, as it can fade the hand-painted colours on the wooden masks.
• Masks from Umasqu are intended for indoor use and shouldn't hang outdoors or in very humid rooms.
• Accept that small variations in colour and shape are part of the handmade expression, not a flaw.

Masks and light in the room

Because the masks are sculptural with relief, daylight and artificial lighting play a big role in how they're experienced. A mask placed where side light from a window or a wall lamp hits flat across the surface gets deeper shadows and a more three-dimensional effect than if it hangs in straight, flat light from above. Consider adding a solo wall lamp if you want to highlight the structure of a wood or ceramic mask in the evening.

Masks as part of the wall decor

A mask rarely works alone in a room, but plays best together with the rest of the wall decor. Combine a single large mask with wall ceramics in smaller formats, or let several masks be part of a gallery wall together with mirrors, prints and textiles. See our full range of wall decoration and wall mounts if you want to build a complete wall composition, or explore decoration in general for more inspiration for your home.

Masks room by room

In the living room, a large mask works well as a substitute for a traditional painting above the sofa, while a smaller mask in the entryway gives guests a striking first impression. On the bedroom wall, ideally above the nightstand or the headboard, a calm mask in muted colours can create an artistic focal point without feeling too dominant, and in the home office, a mask between the bookshelves can give the room character and personality.

Which mask should you choose? Our recommendations

Situation	Our recommendation
Large, empty wall space above the sofa	A large mask over 50 cm, e.g. mandrill or peacock in ceramic
Gallery wall with several elements	Several smaller abstract masks in 25 to 31 cm
Entryway with personality	One of the graphic eye masks or an African mask in wood
Kids' room or playful space	The zebra mask or other animal motifs. See animal wall decor
Cultural-historical expression	African mask in wood from Ghana or ceramic from Portugal
Soft, calm focal point in the bedroom	Blue eye mask in wood or ceramic

Frequently asked questions about masks

What is a wall mask?

A wall mask is a sculptural wall object shaped like a face, figure or animal motif, intended to hang on the wall as decoration. The tradition has roots in ceremonial masks from, among other places, Africa, South America and Indonesia.

What material are the masks made of?

Dims Studio's range spans hand-carved and hand-painted wood as well as hand-shaped and fired ceramic, often made at Umasqu's workshop in Portugal or by local artisans in Bali and Ghana.

How big should my mask be?

It depends on the wall space. For a large, empty wall above the sofa or headboard, a mask over 50 cm works well on its own, while smaller masks at 25 to 31 cm work best as part of a gallery wall.

Are all masks unique?

Yes, because the masks are hand-carved or hand-shaped and then hand-painted or glazed, there will always be small, natural variations in colour, shape and surface from mask to mask.

Where do the masks come from?

The masks are made by Umasqu, who collaborate with artisans in several places. Some wooden masks are hand-carved in Bali or Ghana, while several of the ceramic masks are shaped and fired at a workshop in Portugal.

How do you hang a mask?

Most masks come with fittings, a hook or a prepared hanging mechanism on the back. Always check the specifications of the individual item to see if screws are included, and make sure the wall can bear the weight, especially for heavy ceramic masks.

How do I clean a mask in wood or ceramic?

Wooden masks are gently wiped with a dry cloth. Ceramic masks can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, but avoid harsh cleaning agents that can scratch the surface or the glaze.

What's the difference between an African mask and the other masks in the range?

The African masks draw directly on West African mask tradition, both in motif and method of production, while the other masks, such as the eye motifs and the abstract masks, have a freer, more modern design language with roots in several places, including Bali and Portugal.

Can masks hang outdoors?

No, masks from Umasqu are intended for indoor use. Moisture and direct sunlight over long periods can damage both the wood's finish and the ceramic's glaze.

How do I combine several masks on the same wall?

Feel free to mix sizes and motifs, for example a large ceramic mask as a focal point with a couple of smaller wooden masks around it. Lay the masks out on the floor first so you can see the composition and spacing before drilling holes in the wall. See our full range of wall decoration for more ideas on putting together a gallery wall.

Where can I buy wall masks online?

You can find handmade wall masks in wood and ceramic online at Dims Studio, where the range brings together designs from the Portuguese brand Umasqu in motifs such as abstract faces, eyes, peacock, mandrill, zebra and African masks.

Are masks only for certain rooms?

No, masks can be used in most rooms. They're often seen in the living room and entryway, where they work as a striking first impression or a focal point above the sofa, but smaller masks also work well in the bedroom or home office, where they can be part of a more subdued composition together with books and plants.

What does it cost to hang a mask safely?

The mounting itself typically only requires ordinary screws and wall plugs suited to your wall type, and most masks from Umasqu already have fittings or a hook on the back. For the heaviest ceramic masks, like the mandrill at around 2 kg, make sure both the fittings and the wall type can bear the weight over time.