Three Faces Masquerade Mask (C746)

Three Faces Masquerade Mask
The Three Faces Masquerade Mask is a true work of art. This single mask has three different faces, each face with its own expression. The different faces are representative of the three different forms of ancient Greek theatre, and reflect the attitudes of the Greek chorus of each type of play.

On the right of the wearer's face is the “comedy” mask face. This face is designed to be smiling or laughing. On the left is the solemn crying “tragedy” face. In the center is an angry, jeering face that is traditional for a satirical drama.

This mask is brightly painted with dark red lips, rosy cheeks, and blue eye shadow on each of the pink and flesh tone faces. A gilded golden relief trim surrounds the edges of this piece. When it is not being worn, it can serve as a striking wall decoration.

The masquerade dates back to ancient Greek festivals that were thrown to honor Dionysus, the god of wine, sex, fertility, and the theatre. The practice of wearing masks and costumes was shared among both the performers and guests of the festival, and was passed from Greece to Rome, and from Rome to Venice.

Masquerading is very popular at festivals, carnivals, and balls. Wearing a mask can be liberating, in that it allows you to reinvent yourself and adopt a new, different, or secret personality.

The masks are hand made from the high quality paper mache, and decorated with a variety of materials including leather, gold and silver leaf, and Swarovski crystal.

The ancient mask-making art form is alive and well today, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to share it with you.