These striking masks are made by Ta Oy men and women in Champassak Province. Wooden masks and statues were traditionally used to represent ancestors and spirits, and would adorn their community houses. However, nowadays they are primarily used for decoration and sale to generate income for local families. TAEC has been working with this community since 2010. The design of the mask is first roughly chiselled into wood and then the entire piece is charred in a fire. The burnt wood is scrubbed off with a natural brush made from a dried coconut shell and polished with clear wax. Learn more about the ethnic groups and makers we work with!