Mask

Ceremonial uses

• In ritual, social and religious functions, where participants wear them to represent spiritual or legendary figures. In some cultures it is also believed that the wearing of a mask will allow the wearer to take on the attributes of that mask's representation; i.e., a leopard-mask will induce the wearer to become leopard-like.

Entertainment

• In theatre plays. Use of masks in the dramatic plays in Ancient Greece evolved from the ceremonial purpose. Masks are also a defining characteristic of the Noh theatre of Japan. The English word "person" came from a Latin word for a theatrical mask: per-sona = "through-sound" = "what the actor's voice comes through". The Ancient Greek word prosōpon = "face" originally meant "in front of the face", i.e. "theatrical mask".
• To provide an aura of mystery with professional wrestlers, as well as entertainers like the Unknown Comic, who always wore a paper bag over his head.
• As a part of carnival celebrations in some parts of the world; Venice is most famous for this.
• As part of the costume of a particular personage like Harlequin or a modern comic book superhero.
• Latex masks are used in cinema as part of elaborate character makeup.
• Here also may be included masks worn at masquerade balls.

To stop the wearer from being recognized

• Criminals often use masks to avoid identification when they commit crimes. In many jurisidictions, it is an additional criminal offense to wear a mask while committing a crime; it is also often a crime to wear a mask at public assemblies and demonstrations.
• Occasionally a witness for the prosecution appears in court in a mask to avoid being recognized by associates of the accused.

Protective

• Providing a supply of breathable air or other oxygen-containing gas.
• Protecting the face against flying objects or dangerous environments, while allowing vision.

• A cloth tied over the mouth and nose as a dust filter.
• Filter masks.
• Gas masks.
• The familiar eyes-and-nose diving mask.
• Breathing masks connected to some industrial breathing sets. These are usually fullface.
• Breathing masks connected to some underwater breathing sets. These are usually fullface. See this link and this link for examples.

• Oxygen masks worn by high-altitude pilots.
• Oxygen masks used as part of medical oxygen resuscitation kit.
• Anaesthetic masks used in surgery in hospitals.
• Sport masks such as fencing masks or ice hockey and American football goalkeeper's masks.
• Ski masks.
• Welder's masks.
• The faceplates of spacesuit helmets.

Other types

• A "life mask" is a plaster cast of a face, used as a model for making a painting or sculpture.
• A "death mask" is the same but taken from the face of a recently dead model. Death masks were very popular in the Western World during the 18th and 19th century.

See also

• Balaclava
• blindfold
• headgear
• hood
• list of hats and headgear

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