History of Japanese Masks

Over the last so long centuries, Japan has been involved in making the use of elaborative masks for celebrating the ancient Gods of their culture. Hence animistic gods of legend as well as lore were innumerable and are quite difficult to list down as they do have their names or the definitions being shifted constantly. They are also known by the names of Kami, or “yaoyorozu-no-kamigami”.  The emergence of the masks has been associated with the art which was followed by these ancient Gods.
Early Japanese Masks
The concept of wearing masks in Japan has its origin from the religious rituals which are dating back to the country’s Jomon period. This is the area that is spanning in between the 10,000 B.C. till the 300 B.C. Crude masks are normally made through the use of shells and simple pottery is to be evolved in the masks which can elaborate the mask completely during the time of Kofun period as from 4th century till 6th century.  After Buddhism as well as Korean 6th century influence, these masks were often used for some security purposes. Gigaku masks were used for covering the whole head which was most probably used in the dance performances of Japanese cultures.  But after the end of the 1868 Edo period, the need and importance of these masks got vanished.
Japan's Noh Masks
These have been the most well-known and modern based masks of Japanese culture. They are made from wooden material which is light in weight and is covered with the paintable carving.  This mask is also included with the subtle expression which might give a feeling as if the expressions have been changed with the movement of actors.
These masks were used for the first time for the Noh theater performances dating back in the 13th century period.  It was later on employed by the Sarugai Theater as well in the 14th century. Noh masks are worn by the people along with the elaborative dress/costume for it.
Mid-Winter Festivals
Kaguraperformances are often celebrated in the whole country throughout the entire midwinter festivals.  These masks are worn just to celebrate the ancient era of Kami. They are also used inside the Takachiho district of Kyushu, such as the Kagura dance festival which is arranged from November until February. The Noh masks which are used for such performances are included with the representation designing which highlights female and male deities.
New Year's Eve
At the time of New Year’s Eve, all the residents of some of the common Japanese towns, including Oga, will be visiting their neighbor friends by wearing such masks as red.  Red masks are used for representing the male Ogres and blue masks are for women. In case if the masked visitors are constantly offered with the food and drink by the home residents, they are blessed with the promise of the good of health as well as fortune. After receiving the blessings, they will move to the next house. 

 Do Read: 5 Famous Japanese Warriors And Their History

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