Masks From Around the World

Masks From Around the World
Masks, or the idea of covering or disguising the human face, may be as old as man
himself. The origin of the mask is not clear, but evidence of its presence has been
found in the artifacts, literature, and lore of practically every society (primitive as well
as civilized or sophisticated) known to us today.
An 18th Century Japanese
Mask made of steel, lacquer,
and silk braids, representing a
long-nosed goblin.
Helmet worn by Suku
Males (Congo)
Some masks like these are
worn high above the head,
serving to elevate the person
wearing it. Wearers of masks
like these usually look out of
the mouth or other
apertures.
Examples of masks
from the South Pacific
Art from the Oceanic area was
based more on the meaning
of forms and images than on
beauty. In these masks,
colors and patterns are
indicative of the spirit and
belief in the consciousness of
the artist; the decorative
aspect is secondary.
Native Americans
(Clal-lum)
Detail from the painting of a
Medicine Mask Dance. There
is a great use of feathers for
the headdress and for
decorative elements of the
masks which are all different.
The wearers represent
spiritual and animal
mythological beings.
Iroquois Agricultural
Mask
A braided corn mask
representing an agricultural
deity. The materials used
dictate the feeling and spirit
projected by the mask itself.
Masks for Theatre
Both the Greeks and Romans in their dramatic presentations used masks and
headgear to denote identity or to elaborate on the characteristics of the
personality being portrayed.
Kabuki Theatre of
Japan
Kabuki is a spectacular artistic
presentation: a blending of
pantomime, dance, music,
and drama. Masks and face
coverings were prominent in
these presentations.
Masks for Festivals
German
Trinidad and Tobago
Overwhelming in size and very light in construction, this head covering conveys a mood of
cheer and celebration.
Chinese Festival
A festival figure of a dragon; a
symbol of generosity and
good will.
Venetian Masks - Jolly
The jolly mask portrays a joker and can cover half the face or the whole face. This design
is always colorful with curls coming off the top that typically have a bell on the end.
Medico della Peste (The Plague Doctor)
The striking design originates from 17th-century French physician Charles de Lorme who
adopted the mask together with other sanitary precautions while treating plague victims.
Columbina
The Columbina is a half-mask, only covering the wearer's eyes, nose, and upper cheeks.
It is often highly decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers. It is held up to the face
by a baton or is tied with ribbon as with most other Venetian masks.
Volto
The volto (Italian for face) is
the iconic modern Venetian
mask: it is often stark white
though also frequently gilded
and decorated, and is
commonly worn with a tricorn
and cloak. It is secured in the
back with a ribbon.
Bauta
The bauta is a mask, today often heavily gilded though originally simple stark white, which is designed to
comfortably cover the entire face; this traditional grotesque piece of art was characterized by the inclusion of
an over-prominent nose, a thick supraorbital ridge, a projecting "chin line", and no mouth. The mask's beak-like
chin is designed to enable the wearer to talk, eat, and drink without having to remove it, thereby preserving
the wearer's anonymity. The bauta was often accompanied by a red or black cape and a tricorn (hat).