For over two decades, Phyllis Galembo has documented the traditional cultures of subsaharan Africa. Her primary subjects are participants in masquerades, who use costume, body paint, and masks to create characters from mythology and from their imagination.

Now back in print by popular demand, Galembo’s landmark book Maske (Aperture) features over 100 of these masquerade photos, organized by country and each with commentary. By turns humorous and dark, entertaining and frightening, her portraits document the transformative power of costume.