Becoming Someone Else

A mask allows the person behind it to identify with someone or something else; an identification perceived by the viewers around them as either fictional or real, depending on the context in which the mask is used.

In theatrical performances, that person is both themself and another—the character being portrayed. They play a role in a fictional space that preserves a distance between “the self” and “the other.” Regardless of how closely the actor puts themself in the place of a character, they do not become one with that character. 

In ritual performances, however, there is no such distance. Rituals take place in a sacred space and time, and the person wearing a mask does not play a role—they become someone or something else. They can become a personification of deities, spirit beings, or demonic creatures who help human beings transform one reality into another through the symbolic means of the ritual.

A carved, painted, wooden Mexican Mask titled "Ancestors". The mask is multicolored. Around the face of the mask are three heads with closed eyes, wearing headdresses.
“Ancestors” Mexican Mask, artist unknown, Mayan, Yucatan. Carved and painted colorín wood. Collection of Magdalena Hinkova.
“Monkey King” Peking Opera Mask, artist unknown. Papier-mâché, acrylic paint. Collection of Peter Liu. The mask is white with a central red design surrounding the eyes, nose, and mouth. There are black line designs around the contours of the face and in the center of the forehead.
“Monkey King” Peking Opera Mask, artist unknown. Papier-mâché, acrylic paint. Collection of Peter Liu.
A transparent photo of "Toad", a multicolored papier-mâché, Dominican Mask with long horns by Francisco Jimenez.
“Toad” Dominican Mask, Francisco Jimenez, 2016. Papier-mâché, Los Pepines Style. Donated by the Artist.
“Face” Lega Mask, Congo, artist unknown, Bwami society. Carved turtle shell, rope, seeds. Collection of Frederick Kramer. The mask is a dark black and brown with eye holes. Stones dangle from the ear and chin areas.
“Face” Lega Mask, Congo, artist unknown, Bwami society. Carved turtle shell, rope, seeds. Collection of Frederick Kramer.