The Art of Masks by Sharon Himes

Masks are a nearly universal art form; an ornamental face covering used for religion, ritual, theater performance or art. A mask hides the wearer behind a formal disguise and the actor wearing one takes on the identity of the character he portrays. In religious ceremonies a mask might be believed to be possessed by the spirit represented. A mask might represent an heroic character, deity, animal spirit or ancestor. Good or evil spirits, devils or witches are often represented in masks.

In ancient Greece, theater grew from religious rituals and was performed in large amphitheaters. A few male actors portrayed a larger cast, including female characters, by wearing a variety of masks. The masks had exaggerated expressions and were oversized so they could be seen by people in distant seats.

An actor portraying a major character might wear a smiling face for a happy scene and a sad one for a tragic scene. The chorus, who acted as commentators, also wore masks.

In feudal Japan Noh Plays were performed for an upper class audience. These formal dramas are performed with a balanced combination of chant, dance movement and special music. The actors wear ornamental masks and elaborate costumes and even their movements are stylized and symbolic.

Noh theater dramas are based on Buddhist teachings or folk tales and are meant to be morally uplifting. There are nearly eighty different characters depicted by the mask in traditional Noh plays.

The Dan people of Africa made masks they believed to be inhabited by the spirits of the forest. Individual spirits requested through dreams that a mask be made so they could appear for the village. Masks are usually carved of wood. When the mask is finished, the spirit mask is then used for dancing, singing and pantomime performances at village festivals.

In the early twentieth century artists from the west were interested in the newly imported examples of African designs. Picasso and other artists were deeply influenced by African masks and sculpture.

In Chinese opera actors use colorful masks to portray evil spirits, witches or demons in a performance that includes gymnastics with song and dance.

In Nepal performance masks can be made with beads and other jewels. Formal masks are styled with traditional designs and created by fine craftsmen to be brought to life by highly trained performersSome early cultures used masks in funeral ceremonies. Greeks, Egyptians and other civilizations sometimes placed a mask on the face of the dead person. In the case of a king or important nobleman, the mask might be made of gold or be ornamented with jewels or colorful enameling.

The mask would protect the dead person from being attacked by evil spirits or might guide him to his new home. An ornate and valuable mask would give the dead an important aspect in the afterlife.

Funerary masks sometimes represent the dead person in a nearly realistic style and sometimes were made during the models lifetime.

Masks are common to many cultures and can be intended to be worn or for purely ornamental purposes. As religion, ritual, theater or art, masks imply a change of identity for the wearer and allow him to become more than human.

Learn More with: "World Art: Decorative Masks",