Masks have been used for various purposes throughout history including protection, disguise, performance, and entertainment. They have been made from materials like wood, paper, clay, and metal. Ancient cultures like the Egyptians used masks in burial ceremonies to protect bodies, while the Greeks and Asians used masks in theater. African and Native American masks were worn in religious ceremonies and were believed to allow the wearer to embody the spirit represented by the mask. Today, masks are still used in celebrations and parades like Mardi Gras, where colorful costumes and masks are worn to commemorate the Christian tradition before Lent.

2. What is a mask?
A mask is an object normally worn on the face for
protection, disguise, performance, and entertainment.
What can a mask be
made from?
A mask is can be made from
wood, paper, clay, bronze, cardboard, rigid wrap and metal!

3. Egyptian Masks
Egyptian masks were used in their burial ceremony and was
believed to protect the body from evil spirits.

4. Greek Masks
Masks in Greece were used for theater. The comedy and tragedy
mask are two that are very recognizable.

5. African Masks
African masks were used for religious ceremonies. Often the dancers
thought that the mask would possess them and they would become
the spirit of the mask.

6. Native American Masks
Native American masks were used very similar to African Mask, but
they were also used for entertainment and medicinal purposes.

7. Asian Masks
In Japan and china masks were also worn for theater and in parades.

8. Can you think of ways
we use masks today?

9. Mardi Gras Masks
Mardi Gras is a Christian french
holiday that is very popular in
Europe and in New
Orleans, Louisiana.
Sometimes people call Mardi
Gras “Fat Tuesday.” It is a huge
celebration to eat milk, cheese
and meat before fasting for Lent.
People celebrate Mardi Gras by
dancing, sport
competitions, parades, street
parties and costume balls.

10. The official
colors for
Mardi Gras
are
green, gold
and purple.
Masks are
often
decorated
with
beads, feathe
rs, ribbons
and tons of
sparkles!