Faces + Masks is a photographic series by artist Nikos Vavdinoudis, featuring the costumes of eight villages in rural Northern Greece, and the obscure but fascinating rituals associated with them. The rituals, dromena, performed with these costumes are a part of a long-running tradition with its roots in Dionysian ceremonies in ancient Greece. Performed mainly in agrarian regions of Eastern Macedonia in Northern Greece the rituals focus on the elimination of evil spirits, which could affect the fertility of the land and of the people who live on it. In the mountainous villages of this region, a good year is synonymous with abundance and the regeneration of flora and fauna upon which the people’s livelihood depends.
Hellenic Museum
280 William Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
T: (03) 8615 9016
E: info@hellenic.org.au
W: hellenic.org.au
Opening Hours
Open 10am – 4pm daily*
*Closed on public holidays
Admission Prices
Adult – $12.00
Concession* – $7.00
Children under 6 and carers FREE
*Concessions include valid national or international student ID, healthcare, senior or pensioner cards.
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation and celebrate cultural diversity.
