Swiss Fasnacht (Carnival) Masks

The Fasnacht (Carnival) masks of Switzerland, like the related Fasnet masks of Southeastern Germany, vary a great deal from town to town and region to region. Swiss practice, however, tends to allow for a much greater degree of individuality. Even though local customs frequently specify a certain look, there is a good bit of variation as to how that look is carried out. In the town of Flums, for example, hundreds of grotesque devil, witch, and fool masks are available for rent by maskers, each one different. In Flums and Kriens, a few highly skilled woodworkers have introduced modern masks of great personal character.