mask (face cover)

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Artificial covering for part or all of the face, or for the whole head, associated with ritual or theatrical performances in many cultures. Theatrical traditions using masks include ancient Greek drama (full head masks), Japanese No (facial masks), and the Italian commedia dell'arte (caricatured half-masks). In the 20th century masked performance was re-explored in experimental and mainstream theatrical productions.

In many cultures masks are an important aspect of the religious and social life of the society. They often take the form of animals, sometimes representing totemic ancestors, human beings, or spirits, and can be realistic or abstract. The form of mask is often determined by tradition; in some the mask itself is sacred and is thought to have supernatural powers, in others the wearer is thought to be possessed by the spirit represented by the mask.

Death or funerary masks, made in the likeness of the dead person, are often associated with a belief in the return of the spirit.

The term may also refer to a protective covering for a part of an image, for instance to protect it while spray paint is being applied.

Ghana was the first country to adopt the pan-African colours. The star is known as the ‘lode star of African freedom’. Effective date: 28 February 1966. >>