Masks have been used in various cultures as a way of worship, a right of passage, to frighten or inspire. The dictionary defines mask as: 1. A covering for all or one part of the face, worn to conceal ones identity. 2. A grotesque or humorous false face worn at a carnival, masquerade, etc. Halloween masks. The idea of masks is fitting for the season of Halloween which is fast approaching. This poem by Potsim and Pikachu should highlight the different expressions and emotions of the collection of masks in this gallery.
Tigre Mask, Unknown, 1900 - 1999, From the collection of: The Mint Museum
Before long, I had many friends; With my mask, I was one of them.
Lipiko Mask, Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
But deep inside, I still felt empty, Like I was missing a part of me.
Eharo, dance mask, Unknown, 1900s, From the collection of: Te Papa
Nobody could hear my cries at night For I designed my mask to hide the lies.
Sun mask with facial features of August II (the Strong) as Apollo, the Sun God, Johann Melchior Dinglinger, 1709, From the collection of: Armoury, Dresden State Art Collections
Nobody could see the pain I was feeling For I designed my mask to be laughing.
HANOMAN MASK, Unknown, From the collection of: Museum Nasional Indonesia
Behind all the smiles were the tears And behind all the comfort were the fears.
Gelede Helmet Mask of a Gendarme, Unknown, early 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Everything you think you see, Wasn't everything there was to me.
Malanggan Mask, Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Antropología, Madrid
Until now I'm still searching For the thing that'll stop my crying.
Mask, Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Minneapolis Institute of Art
For someone who'll erase my fears, For the person who'll wipe my tears.
Helmet mask, Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Minneapolis Institute of Art
But till then I'll keep on Smiling. Hiding behind this mask I'm wearing.
Hoping one day I can smile, Till then, I'll be here... waiting.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
