 Mask are believe to be used to conceal the wearer’s identity or they can create a new identity  Mask come in many different sizes and shapes  The style of a mask is directly related with the purpose of the mask.  Mask can be used to represent people, gods, animals and demons.

 FINGER MASK: finger masks are carved from wood and may have feathers. They are worn like rings and used for storytelling and dancing

 FULL MASK: Full masks cover the face and are used in pantomimes. They may have movable jaws for different facial expressions.

 HALF MASK: Half masks cover half the face or more, leaving the mouth uncovered for speaking.

 HEADDRESS MASK: These mask rise from a base that rests on the wearer’s head. They feature representations of human or animal heads or figures

 HELMET MASK: These fit over the entire head

 HORIZONTAL PLANK MASK: These mask are worn on top of the head, resemble a bird in flight.

 TOTEM MASK: Are mask that are as high as twenty feet and represents the protection of living things from the spirit.

 MASK S ARE FOUND IN CULTURES ALL OVER THE WORLD. o PEOPLE USE MASK FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: o IN RITUALS AND CEREMONIES o IN HARVEST AND FERTILITY CELEBRATIONS o IN PREPARATION FOR WAR o TO CONTROL THE FORCES OF GOOD AND EVIL

 Masked performances were used as a medium to pass on old traditions and heritage to the younger generations.  These performances taught the importance of social, religious and moral values.

o KINDS o RITUAL  USES  These mask are believed to have supernatural powers that allow the wearers to change into animals. The wearer is able to seek advice from the ancestors in the spirit world.

 CEREMONIAL  These are similar to ritual mask but have some special forms and details showing gods, ancestors spirits, mythological beings, etc.

 RELIGIOUS  FESTIVAL  These mask increase religious belief or devotion to a god and guard against evil spirits.  These mask are used in storytelling, folk events, harvest festivals, etc.

 THEATRICAL  DEATH  These mask are used in dramatic performances  These assure the dead a safe journey through the underworld to a place where their spirits can help the living.

CEREMONYRITUAL  More relaxed  A set of actions performed for their actual meaning  A celebration of life, the gods and goddesses, events and nature  Rigid  A set of actions performed for their symbolic meaning  Marks extraordinary times in one’s life, like Rites of Passage,  Preserves religious and cultural beliefs and family tradition passed down from generation to generation

CEREMONIALRITUAL  Reassures people by promoting healing, abundant crops and fertility through: Rainmaking; Communication with spirits; Initit;