THE EVOLUTIOX OF MASKS. 



The word mask, according' to Webster, is derived from tbe Arabic. 

 meaning a tiling- which excites ridicule or laughter; that tbis, however, 

 is a comparatively modern conception of the mask idea in the course 

 of the development of culture, will, I think, on consideration appear 

 certain. 



1. The ultimate idea of a mask is a shield or protection for the face; 

 probably first held in the hand. 



L'. The adaptation of it to the form of the face and its support upon 

 the head or shoulders were probably subsequent to the introduction of 

 peep holes, but must have been nearly or quite, coincident with the use 

 of a breathing hole. 



3. As a protection, its appearance or ornamentation originally must 

 have been quite secondary in its importance to impenetrability, or me- 

 chanical protectiveness. 



4. If communities agreed among themselves, and differed from out- 

 siders in the form or appearance of their masks, the characteristics of the 

 mask form adopted by any group of peculiar ferocity or powers, would 

 begin to have a moral value apart from its capability of arresting or 

 diverting missiles. The terror inspired by the wearers would begin to 

 be associated with their panoply. 



5. With the adaptation of the mask to the head and shoulders, a re-, 

 duction in weight, and consequently of* resisting power would be neces- 

 sary. Its moral value due to its capacity for inspiring terror would 

 constantly tend to increase, as compared with its defensive usefulness. 



6. With the realization of this fact, devices to add to the frightfulness 

 would multiply until the mechanical value would be comparatively un- 

 important. It is to be borne in mind that it is the lowest grades of cul- 

 ture which are in question. 



" 7. With this growth individual variation would come into play ; each 

 warrior would bear a more or less personal device. If remarkable for 

 destroying enemies of the tribe, or for the benefits resulting to it from 

 his prowess, death, lapse of time, and traditions, snowball-like accret- 

 ing as they descended, would tend to the association of superhuman 

 qualities (in form of hero myth) with him and with his distinctive battle 

 emblem or device. If his device were derived or conventionalized from 

 some predatory, shrewd, or mysterious animal, a mental blending of the 

 ideals of each might be expected, and the seeds sown of a totemic or 

 polytheistic system. 



8. With the advauce of culture, in its feeble beginnings, humorous 



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