2. Origin of Masks
The origin of masks can not be pinpointed to a specific area at a specific time. The majority of masks originally
were use for ritual purposes, the ancient Egyptians used masks as a way to transform into a different being in
order to perform the ritual. They were also used as a disguise for ancient executioners, such as the people who
would perform mummifications in ancient Egypt.
In Africa, tribes have been using masks in ritual for thousands of years. In west Africa tribe wear wooden masks
and an attempt to praise and communicate with there lost ancestors. The majority of the masks were of human
faces, but some would portray the animals of the savannah, communicating their ancestral sprits and praising
them for the life they bring to the tribes. These tribes will also use masks in battle, mask with big eyes would
scare the enemy and mask with bulging foreheads would intimidate the enemy as this is a sign of intelligence
and cunning.
3. Masks In Theatre
Masks in theatre started as religious representations in ancient Greece. Bright
Colours and oversized masks would enlarge the performers presence on
stage, making it easier to distinguish between characters form a distance. As
in most Greek tragedies there were only three actors playing several roles
each, the use of masks helped the audience differ between the different
characters a single performer played. Varying sized and colouring of the
masks used also portrayed differences in ages, ranks, and occupations.
4. Masks In Theatre (12th – 16th Century)
In the middle ages, masks were used in mysteries and bible verse
representations. They predominantly portrayed grotesque
characters such as devils, demons and dragons. Masks in bible
stories were also used to personify the 7 deadly sins.
5. 18th Century
Near the end of the Republic, wearing masks in daily life was heavily restricted. By the
18th century, it was limited only to about three months from December 26. The masks
were traditionally worn with decorative beads matching in colour.
The types of masks ranged from ones worn as disguise and were obligatory to wear at
certain political decision-making events, to ones worn in a sanitary way, typically worn
by plague doctors.
