The first masks were probably painted directly onto the face, and over time became reusable pieces of art to entertain with different personas and characters.
Now that we all must wear masks in public it is interesting to think about the multiple layers we have on. Perhaps before it was lipstick or a clean shave and now wearing personal protective masks give us more anonymity, or less? Some masks reveal, some conceal.
“Masks portray the human “life drama” in all its manifold aspects, especially the compelling, ambiguous, sometimes revelatory, and often treacherous search for the “real self” behind our more familiar self-images.” – The Book of Symbols
Some examples:
Lucha Libra – becoming a superhero
Medical Masks – a sign of a profession
Construction Masks – sing of a profession
Anonymous Masks – political resistance
Halloween Masks – a holiday of transformation and play
The Masked Singer – see talent without the face
Indigenous Masks – the spiritual world and enacting different entities
Writing Prompts:
When was the last time you wore a mask? Were you protecting your self, or others? How did it feel to have an added layer between yourself and the world?
Was there ever a time when you felt you were truly wearing a mask (even if you were not)?
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