What is Korean mask?
[[File:Korean_folkdance_mask.jpg|thumb|Korean mask]] '''Korean masks''' have been used since the 6th century. The oldest [[mask]] in [[Korea]] is a [[lacquer]]ed mask that was excavated in one of the tumuli in Gyeongju. In the past, the masks were used for [[shamanism|shamanistic]] ceremonies to drive away evil spirits or raise ghosts. Also, they were used for mask plays like ''BongsanTalchum, SandaeNoli''. In Korea, ''tal'' means ''mask''. ''Tal'' is an ancient [[Chinese language|Chinese]] word that means a face, a tool for face, a mask, etc. The word ''tal'' means a ''mask'' and ''[[disease]]'' in Korea. That is why Korean masks normally represent the face of [[demon]]s or [[monster]]s that cause various diseases. Ancient Korean believed that the mask of strong demons can drive weak demons out. == Masks in theatre == Mask plays have different themes. Basic themes are biting [[satire]], ritual [[dance]]s, [[exorcism]] rites, parody of human weaknesses, social evils and the privileged class. A lot of ''talchum'', or plays, mock stereotyped of annoying personalities in the lower classes. The most distinguishing feature of the Korea mask plays is variations of specific lines in plays. According to actors and regions, the specific lines in plays can be changed. With regional variations, the mask play is usually performed on traditional holidays. == Shamanistic masks == Korean masks used in shamanistic practices were made of [[wood]]. They had several coasts of lacquer to give the masks gloss and to and waterproof them for wearing. In Korea, many people have believed that the lacquer tree can drive away evil spirits. That is why Koreans used lacquered masks. The horrifying or grotesque masks were used in shamanistic practices for their ability to evoke fear, and humor, in ceremonial rites. [[Category:Headgear]] [[Category:Korean culture]]