Few things have as much power to convey an entire history about a culture and a time period, as well as the beliefs of people, like a mask.  A mask, whether on a wall or worn, seems to reach out across the room and pull you into a frame of mind that allows you to better understand different cultures.

From May 10 to September 22, 2004, The Coffey County Historical Museum was pleased to host Carla Hanson's Spirit of the Mask Collection.  The mask on display were from 30 different countries on five different continents and from nine Native American Nations including Bali, Burma, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Bolivia, The Ivory Coast, Mexico, New Guinea and Zaire.

Carla Hanson started collecting masks about 20 year ago; fueled by an interest in anthropology started by taking a few classes on the subject at Kansas State University while working on her music degree.  Hanson now has over 200 masks in her collection.  Carla selected and made 95 masks from her collection available for display at our Museum.