Mask up!

It is curious that it has taken so long for masks to be adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic as humans have employed and enjoyed mask wearing for millennia. The oldest masks that have been discovered are over 9,000 years old – although the practice of masking is doubtless considerably older as cave painting depicts anthropomorphic masks dating back around 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.

The various thoughts on the etymology of the word ‘mask’ provide ideas on the many uses of masks across time and culture. ‘Mask’ appeared in English in the 1530s from the French masque and Italian maschera – meaning ‘a covering to hide or guard the face’. This derives from the Latin masca which has ‘spectre and nightmare’ as part of its meaning. Going further back there is a connection with Arabic maskharah ‘buffoon’ or ‘ridicule’ and Hebrew masecha ‘transformation’ but also meaning ‘mocking’.

The many possible meanings highlight how masks have served functions in protection, disguise, punishment, ritual or ceremonial performance, group membership and entertainment. Some or all of these functions might be relevant when planning a coronavirus covering. 

First, there are a few basic features which need to be taken into account. Should it be single-use – offering the potential for a new style/design each wear? Or should it be reusable – establishing a ‘personal COVID identity’? Whichever choice, the mask needs to cover the nose and mouth and the more tightly fitting it is around the face, the better it will protect. One also needs to consider the material used in construction. One US study concluded that good household materials (providing a barrier for particles of 0.3-1.0 microns in diameter ie. ‘virus-sized’) included heavyweight quilter’s cotton, multiple layers of material or vacuum cleaner bags. However, bandanas and masks made from old T-shirts, while less effective, do offer some potential benefits.

When considering a style of mask for coronavirus protection, the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria has an abundance of options that concerned members of the public might consider.

Starting historically, we could look at Ancient Egypt where masks were used as part of burial ceremonies to protect the deceased in the afterlife. The head covering of Padihorpasheraset is an extravagant and sturdy example that provides excellent covering but its connection with the ‘afterlife’ is probably a good reason for exclusion as a contemporary possibility.

There are a considerable number of masks from African cultures that could also serve as prototypes. These masks were typically used as part of religious rituals or as part of ceremonial costumes. They were often connected with ancestor spirits, animals or local deities who provided protection from harm. The mask in the photograph of Pablo P. Mbela by Edson Chagas, has a closed mouth, long face and broad forehead which is characteristic of masks from the Ivory Coast and indicates the soberness of one’s duty that comes with knowledge. This style is worthy of consideration if one has had contact with a family member with the virus or if one lives in a COVID hot spot.

Closer to home, there are many examples from the Oceanic region which have the same function. A number of these masks also have medicinal purposes which confers obvious extra benefit. If choosing from this region it is worth remembering that yam masks were ‘worn’ by yams (not humans) and, with their open weave, would offer little protection while foraging. Alternatively, Tumbuan masks (representing female spirits) offer much better body cover for women, but as they are part of dancing, could lead to an episode of ‘choreomania’ (see previous post) and are therefore best avoided.

However, if Oceania is the region of choice then masks from either the East Sepik River region or Ramu River are the most suitable face coverings.

In traditional Asian cultures, masks often had religious and narrative purposes and were part of traditional theatre.  Influences included Buddhist and Hindu literature. I suspect the Tibetan skull mask with its association with death is inappropriate – although it might remind the public that the situation is serious.

Without doubt, Japanese Noh theatre masks must be on the list. The anxious, perplexed expression of Nōmen Chūjō – the grieving young aristocratic warrior – is a definite consideration, as is the severe torment of Kawazu on days when one feels less able to cope.

Another form of mask that appeared in the Medieval period in the West was the mask used for punishment. Lawbreakers were often forced to wear a ‘shame mask’ or brank. These included ‘swine masks’ or the ‘hood of shame’.  Branks were worn by a nag or gossip and this form of mask included a tongue-depressor with sharp edges that made talking painful. This type of mask might be appropriate for people who prattle on about coronavirus conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, the NGV does not have an example of this style of mask but once again, the Noh Ōbeshimi mask with its mouth tightly clenched could be a stand in.

Then there are the frightening masks seen in Halloween which evolved out of Celtic culture as disguises used to confuse ghosts or malicious spirits during Samhain – the festival at the end of the harvest season. The advantage of wearing a scary mask is that it also helps maintain social distancing. 

Finally, some masks to avoid: pretending that you are wearing a mask, as Andy Warhol does in camouflaging himself, does not work. The coronavirus can still see you.

Leigh Bowery has made a concerted effort with his full body ‘armour’ which has unfortunately not covered the most important area of his face – his mouth. And while, his ‘Pregnant tutu head’ is definitely much better, one would worry about his accident-proneness.

Any one of the new masks by Neri Oxman, while ticking many boxes, has the possibility of the inclusion of microbes as part of her 3D biomorphic process and could lead to other infections.

And, clearly, the woman in Bellocq’s photograph needs to be in quarantine as she doesn’t have a clue about correct ‘mask behaviour’!

Stay safe and … mask up!