★ Rights sold to China!
★ Every mask tells a story, and every story is a piece of history. This book showcases all the masks humankind has worn over the past 30,000 years, along with everything there is to know about them!
★ A fresh and creative children’s encyclopedia that takes you on a journey through the past and present of masks, using masks as a lens to explore the evolution of human civilization.
★ Through this book, young readers will gain a wealth of fascinating cultural and anthropological knowledge about different peoples and cultures, making it perfect for curious minds of all ages.
★ Created by anthropologist Pavel Boev! The highly expressive illustrations are by Alisa Yufa, winner of the St. Petersburg Government Youth Prize!
★ English translation sample available.

During the pandemic, everyone started wearing masks. Wearing a plain white medical mask wasn’t particularly fun or enjoyable. Later, our mother bought my brother and me many masks with different patterns—faces of animals like cats, tigers, and dogs, as well as beautiful designs and flowers. Putting on such “masks” was great fun, and when others saw them, they would often smile warmly, which lifted their spirits. However, not all masks bring joy. Whether in the past or today, masks can evoke a wide range of emotions in both the wearer and the observer. The book “Masks,” co-created by Pavel Poev and artist Alisa Yufa, tells just such a story.
— Alexandra Melkina, expert of the children’s editorial board of the Russian children’s magazine Papmambook

When discussing the preparation of the book, author Pavel Poev said: “From the very beginning, I wanted this book to be as close to reality as possible, aligned with modern scientific concepts and the latest research. The history of masks is fascinating and captivating in itself—sometimes even chilling, almost like a detective novel. In some ways, creating this kind of work was easier for me than for many other writers; I was fortunate to have “masks” as my subject. The real challenge lay in placing these stories within their cultural, temporal, and ecological contexts, in telling about rituals, myths, the complexity and diversity of societies, and in presenting different perspectives on ethical dilemmas. At the same time, I aimed to avoid clichés and oversimplification, yet without resorting to obscure terminology or overly complicated ideas. I didn’t want to ramble or show off; I simply wanted to write well, to engage readers as equals and explore the magical world of masks together. I hope I’ve come close to achieving that.”
— Russian publishing house “Into History”

It’s truly amazing how much interesting information a single mask can hold! In fact, every mask carries a specific meaning, has a backstory behind its creation, and serves a particular purpose—to convey a message to someone. Sometimes they also function as talismans, both literally and figuratively. There are countless forms they can take, some of which are beyond our imagination—exactly what this beautifully illustrated book brings to life.
— Teplova Julia, reader of the Russian online bookstore Labirint

Wow, fantastic! This book is wonderful—truly a gift. The binding and colors are lovely, bright and engaging. The content has been vetted and endorsed by authoritative critics. It’s a book about ceremonial masks, theatrical masks, and practical masks, with each mask spread across a double-page spread—an extremely clever approach. Each spread includes informative icons indicating the region, culture, era, and materials used to make the mask. Although intended for children and teenagers, I’m sure adults will also find this colorful and mysterious world intriguing, and may well exclaim, “Masks, masks, I want to get to know you!”
— Gaila Olga, reader of the Russian online bookstore Labirint

Masks are a tangible expression of national culture, reflecting the beliefs, emotions, and ways of life of people across different regions and historical periods. This book will introduce young readers to the diverse ways masks have been used throughout history, as well as the wide range of materials—from wood and metal to wax, palm leaves, and even human hair—from which they are crafted. In addition, children will discover ceremonial and ritual masks from every continent, theatrical masks such as Sichuan Opera face-paintings and Japanese Noh masks, masquerade masks, and even functional masks like protective face coverings.
The book is divided into three main sections: ceremonial masks, theatrical masks, and practical masks. Each double-page spread focuses on a single mask, telling the story of 24 different masks—including their origins, history, and creators—as well as the myths, legends, or historical events associated with them. Young readers will journey with these masks through the tropical rainforests of Africa to explore communal rituals and artistic achievements; across the deserts of the Near East to uncover the cultural codes embedded in some of the world’s oldest masks. Spanning millennia, this “journey of a thousand faces” offers not only a chance to admire exquisite mask designs but also to experience the diversity and allure of human culture.

[Author] Pavel Boev
Anthropologist and ecologist. He graduated from the University of Bristol and the Higher School of Economics in Russia. He lives and works in Moscow.
He has previously worked for the United Nations, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Russian Geographical Society. In 2013, he joined the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) team, specializing in anthropology and archaeology, where he studies environmental factors that influence social development. He also serves as the scientific editor of the Ecological Footprint Report for the Russian Federation (WWF Russia) and the Russian edition of the Living Planet Report (WWF International).
Pavel Boev has conducted extensive fieldwork in ethnography, investigating surviving traditions of mask-making and masquerade festivals in North Cornwall. His master’s thesis at the University of Bristol focused on the role of masks in the lives of various peoples and cultures.

[Illustrator] Alisa Yufa
A highly talented graphic artist and illustrator. She is a member of the Union of Artists of Russia and received the St. Petersburg Government Youth Prize in 2015. She graduated from the Novosibirsk State Art School (painting), the Russian State Pedagogical University (fine arts), and continued her studies at the Russian State Pedagogical University and the Saint Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. She has already contributed to the creation of over twenty books! Currently, she resides in Saint Petersburg.

Preface
Ceremonial Masks
The Earliest Masks
Masks of the Ancient Shu Kingdom
Agamemnon’s Mask
The Mask of the Fire God Huitzilopochtli
The Mask of Obi-Os
The Udege Shaman’s Mask
The Bakaili Mask
The Tatarnua Mask
The Mahongwe Mask
The Bear Mask
Theatrical Masks
Noh Masks