The image of groups wearing traditional masks caroling during the winter holidays is certainly one of the most spectacular and powerful traditions preserved in our country. These masks reconstruct the alphabet of an archaic language and carry on customs that originated in pagan rituals later assimilated into Christianity. Paul Buța not only creates objects for folk rituals, but also reveals a whole world through his masks. In his search for authenticity, the artist studied techniques and models preserved by elders, being guided in his endeavor by academician Romulus Vulcănescu.

Through his artistic practice, which harmoniously combines ethnographic research, craftsmanship, and acting, Paul Buța offers us a complete and competent perspective on these ancient customs, customs that he is even able to perform. For him, masks transcend the decorative dimension, being meant to be worn in order to interpret archetypal roles or primordial forces in dances, ceremonies, agrarian and pastoral customs, or small skits integrated into holiday carols. Thus, tradition does not remain confined to ethnographic documents, but vibrates, raw and alive, like an ancient string that refuses to fall silent.

Constantin Prut saw in the processions of carolers wearing zoomorphic masks with horns (bull, deer, ram) heralding the birth of the New Year “ancient mythical scenarios, in which the animal can confess divine epiphanies, or is engaged in fulfilling missions transporting between different realms.” - Ana Daniela Sultana

Paul Buța is a multifaceted artist: actor at the “Nicolae Leonard” Musical Theater in Galați, ethnographic researcher at the “Dunărea de Jos” Cultural Center in Galați, and folk craftsman, one of the most renowned creators of traditional masks in Romania. Through his work—founding the living museum “Vatra cu Dor”, organizing traditional festivals, and participating in traditional events - Paul Buța contributes to preserving tradition and conveying the significance of masks to young people and urban audiences, having been awarded numerous prizes, medals, and diplomas for his cultural work. Exhibited since the 1990s, Paul Buța’s masks have been presented in numerous cities in Romania and abroad, including Paris, Venice, Strasbourg, Brussels, Limoux, London, and Vienna. 

Ana Daniela Sultana is a curator and publicist, a graduate of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. She publishes articles in ARTA magazine, Orizonturi Culturale Italo-Române, and on agentiadecarte.ro. She collaborates with institutions such as CREART, RCI Istanbul, RCI Vienna, RCI Venice, the Austrian Cultural Forum in Bucharest, the Art Museum in Timișoara, Kunsthalle Feldbach, Aluniș Art Center, and numerous contemporary art galleries.