Perhaps there is not a single culture on our planet that did not use masks. This is evidenced by ancient cave paintings depicting hunters in animal masks. Among different nations, the mask was first one of the most important attributes of ritual ceremonies, in which it played a sacred role, then masks migrated to theaters... Gradually, masks moved from rituals and theatrical life into real life, becoming a mandatory attribute of carnivals and costume balls. But in addition to the decorative and intimidating masks, there are a huge number of professional masks that have specific properties: surgical - protecting the cleanliness of the surgical field, oxygen - supplying air to patients and divers, sports masks that protect faces from damage. And even a gas mask worn during a chemical attack is also a mask! Every lady is familiar with cosmetic masks, and sad death masks preserve the faces of departed people for posterity... Today, when the whole world is forced to wear masks, the history of this attribute is especially relevant and interesting. Happy reading!