Masks have a long history dating back to at least 7000 BC when they were used for ritual purposes. Early masks were likely made of perishable materials like leather that have not survived. In Western Africa beginning in ancient times, large wooden masks were expertly crafted and used in ceremonies, especially following the death of an important tribal figure. These masks were often animal representations and were believed to allow communication with animal spirits. Common animal masks included antelopes, and facial features symbolized traits like wisdom or aggression. Masks played an important cultural role in ancient Greece as well, originally being used to honor Dionysus and in comedies and satyr plays, with elaborate masks developing as theater competitions emerged around 486 BC.

2.  Used during the venetian festival which was an annual event
 Masks have always been in venetian history however during
the carnival season masked balls were mainly reserved for
high ranking dukes and noblemen and women.
 This representation of class spread across Europe into France,
Belgium and Serbia
 The masks were a variety of materials the more expensive
usually represented the higher class
 However, many people saw this as a perfect opportunity to
take out high ranking officials whilst being disguised

3. The earliest recorded mask that has been discovered was thought to have been
made in 7000 bc where it was used for ritual purposes. There are suggestions that
mask making may have happened even earlier possible 9000 bc however, the
typical materials that were used such as leather are unable to stand the test of
time.
In western Africa, large wooden mask that had been expertly crafted were used
for ceremonial purposes, for example if key figure of the tribe were to have
passed away. These masquerades were most often performed by the cultures
Edo, Yorubo and Igbo. Often these masks were used as a form of
communication with wildlife as many masks represented animals, allowing the
mask wearer to communicate with the animal’s spirit of savannas and forests.
The most common of the animal masks is the antelope which largely represents
agriculture in Africa. Also, depending on the shape of the mask depends on the
context of it. If a mask appears to have a large forehead this represents wisdom
and intelligence. Masks with closed eyes represent tranquillity whereas masks
with large eyes, painted colour and a carved angry face represent war

4. The earliest recorded mask that has been discovered was thought to have been made in 7000 bc
where it was used for ritual purposes. There are suggestions that mask making may have happened
even earlier possible 9000 bc however, the typical materials that were used such as leather are
unable to stand the test of time.
In western Africa, large wooden mask that had been expertly crafted were used for ceremonial
purposes, for example if key figure of the tribe were to have passed away. These masquerades
were most often performed by the cultures Edo, Yorubo and Igbo. Often these masks were used as
a form of communication with wildlife as many masks represented animals, allowing the mask
wearer to communicate with the animal’s spirit of savannas and forests. The most common of the
animal masks is the antelope which largely represents agriculture in Africa. Also, depending on the
shape of the mask depends on the context of it. If a mask appears to have a large forehead this
represents wisdom and intelligence. Masks with closed eyes represent tranquillity whereas masks
with large eyes, painted colour and a carved angry face represent war

5. The city of Athens was the cultural, political and military superpower of its time
with Greece taking massive steps forward. Theatre became hugely prominent in
Greece. Masks were originally served for 3 purposes; Honouring the God
Dionysus, comedy and the satyr play. The masks in theatre were more often than
not purpose built in order to create a loud and clear vocal for the actor. For
example, a small metal aperture would help to project the actors voice and
would therefore contribute to the sound. After the Persian invasion of Athens
theatre went through what most people describe the golden age of Greek
theatre. In 486 the competition in the festival of Dionysus was created where
three playwrights would write 3 different tragedies and a satyr play. This was
where many of the masks such as the comedy and tragedy came from as the
extravagant masks were created.