The Woman in the Mask's Mask

Lore & Background

Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. The word 'mask' appeared in English in the 1530s, from Middle French 'masque', derived from Italian 'maschera', from Medieval Latin 'masca' meaning 'mask, specter, nightmare'. Its origin is uncertain, possibly from Arabic 'maskharah' meaning 'buffoon', or from Provençal 'mascarar' meaning 'to black (the face)'. In art history, 'mask' is the term for a face without a body that is not modelled in the round, but appears in low relief.

Reader's Guide

The use of masks in rituals or ceremonies is a very ancient human practice. Masks can be worn for protection, in hunting, in sports, in feasts, or in wars, or simply used as ornamentation. Some ceremonial or decorative masks were not designed to be worn. The earliest known anthropomorphic artwork is circa 30,000–40,000 years old. The use of masks is demonstrated graphically at some of these sites.

Did You Know?

• In Ancient Rome, the word 'persona' meant 'a mask' and also referred to an individual with full Roman citizenship.
• The Carnival of Venice, in which all are equal behind their masks, dates back to 1268 AD.