Tattoo masks
Contents:
There is a certain mystery in any person, many aspects of our life, our thoughts and experiences remain a mystery to others. Tattoo theatrical masks, the meaning of which indicates the need for secrecy, some pretense and duplicity, is perfect for a person in whose life such secrecy plays an important role.
It is not always possible to remain ourselves, circumstances sometimes force us to play different roles: one in the work collective, another in the circle of friends, the third at the hearth. In some cases, this can be called hypocrisy, but often we only hide some emotions and aspects of the personality, so as not to hurt other people's feelings, not to harm ourselves and others.
The designation of a mask tattoo can be different, because it all depends on the sketch, the symbols that are used in it, belonging to a particular culture. Therefore, today we will try to describe in as much detail as possible the meanings of different tattoos in the form of masks, we will give some tips on choosing a style, composition and color palette.
Symbolism of tattoo masks in different cultures
Polynesia
In the culture of Polynesia, tattoo masks play a very important role. They are called tiki and are depicted in such a way as if the eyes look in all directions at once, symbolizing protection from any danger, no matter where it comes from. Tiki are the masks of warriors; in ancient times, only the valiant defenders of their tribe wore such images on their bodies. Legend has it that tiki will protect its owner not only from the intrigues of enemies, but also from the influence of evil spirits.
Africa
In the rituals of African tribes, who still live outside of modern civilization, like thousands of years ago, wooden masks are widely used, symbolizing certain spirits and deities. In Ancient Egypt, masks were an important part of funeral rites, symbolizing the outer shell that guarded the soul of the deceased in the afterlife.
America
The shamans of the North American Indian tribes wore a mask during the ritual, identifying it with the divine face, transmitting its power to the shaman.
During archaeological excavations of the Inca settlements, golden masks were found, symbolizing the sun.
Japan
One of the most memorable images in traditional Japanese tattoo art is the Chania mask tattoo, which depicts the face of a demon. Demonic entities are, in principle, very revered in the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, although they carry the energy of destruction, they are used as amulets. The Chania mask symbolizes a girl in whom anger and vindictiveness awoke because of her unrequited love for a monk. According to legend, she turned into a demon and incinerated him with her fiery breath.
Ancient Greece
Theatrical masks that have already become classics are most often found in modern tattoo art, the meaning of a tattoo with their image should be sought in the traditions of ancient drama. In Greek performances, tragic and comic masks personified the type of character and his role in the production. Today, these two masks, expressing opposite emotions, have become a symbol of the theater. Also, the mask had a ritual meaning, personified God or some entity from the other world in rituals.
Modern culture
Not only ancient traditions have an impact on the art of tattooing, sometimes the products of modern mass culture affect us so strongly that in a sense they change our outlook on life. For example, thanks to the famous dystopia “V for Vendetta”, the Guy Fawkes mask has become one of the most popular symbols in the tattoo. Its history takes us back to the XNUMXth century, when the British Guy Fawkes, who participated in the Gunpowder Plot, had to light the fuse that led to a room filled with gunpowder under the parliament building. It was there that he was seized by the authorities, and later, under torture, gave out the names of his associates. If at that time Guy Fawkes was considered a cowardly and dishonest person, then the main character of the film speaks of him as a brave hero who was not afraid to challenge the authorities, although he suffered a fiasco.
The image of the legendary conspirator even influenced the English language. A new word appeared in it - guy. Initially, it meant a scarecrow, which was traditionally burned on November 5 - Guy Fawkes Night (it was this date that was marked by an attempt to blow up parliament). Later they began to use it to refer to any stuffed, then tastelessly dressed person. In modern English, this word simply refers to a young man.
The meanings of tattoo masks in modern tattoo art
A mask tattoo means the same thing for men and women, the only exception can be Polynesian tics, which are traditionally considered a masculine attribute. The meaning of such a tattoo largely depends on the history of the appearance of the drawing, belonging to a particular culture, however, such images also have a common symbolism:
- Stealth. Such a drawing is suitable for a person for whom it is important to keep certain aspects of his essence secret. The reasons can be different: distrust of others, shame, shyness, fear of rejection, fear of hurting other people's feelings, not living up to expectations, or just introversion.
- Protection. In this case, this is a fairly broad meaning. In the literal sense, the mask protects its owner, not allowing him to be identified, in a figurative sense, it serves as a talisman against troubles.
- Duality of nature. Such a tattoo indicates that the character of its owner is ambiguous, he may show unexpected qualities.
- The ability to adapt easily. The depiction of a theatrical attribute suggests that a person chooses a more advantageous role for himself, depending on the circumstances, coping well with each of them.
Tiki
Such images most often act as the center of a composition with a Polynesian ornament, are a talisman, go well with traditional symbols: turtles, which are also considered a protective amulet, spirals - solar signs, lizards indicating mental strength and well-developed intuition.
Chania mask
The Chania mask can reflect the whole wide range of emotions that seethe in a person suffering from unrequited love. In classic Japanese theatrical productions, when the masked actor looks directly into the audience, the demon's expression looks vicious, aggressive and intimidating. But if you tilt your head a little, and completely different features appear in the image, there is a feeling that the demon is yearning, almost crying. Indeed, a person, whose feelings remained unrequited, simultaneously feel anger at fate and the object of his sympathy, resentment, longing and pain.
Theater traditions
A smiling mask is an attribute of Thalia (the muse of comedy), which characterizes a positive-minded person. His way of thinking is positive, he goes through life with a smile, willingly meeting obstacles in his path.
The weeping mask is an attribute of Melpomene (the muse of tragedy). Such an image indicates melancholy, pessimistic attitude, a tendency to fatalism.
A tattoo of two masks means that a person is able to reincarnate, play different roles, depending on what fate has prepared for him, what circumstances his life puts in front of him.
Such images go well with other theatrical surroundings: curtains, musical instruments, binoculars.
Venetian masquerade
Venetian masquerade masks, although they differ due to the richness of decoration and color schemes, are designed to equalize all participants in the masquerade. Therefore, such drawings carry both the idea of anonymity and the idea of equality. Images of a girl in a mask are especially popular.
Hollywood
In addition to the famous V, the film industry gave us many characters that are now known to everyone. Hollywood masks usually talk about a passion for this or that film, the idea that is embedded in it. For example, Jason's mask from Friday the 13th indicates an interest in the topic of maniacs, massacres, the reasons why a person begins to commit atrocities. Such drawings look great in combination with images of murder weapons, for example, with a chainsaw, knife, machete.
Joker
If we are talking about a card figure, the Joker mask will indicate a gambler who is not afraid to take risks and enjoys it, if about a DC Comics character, then the image will speak of sympathy for him, identification with him.
Stylistic decisions
In terms of style and color palette, the choice is very wide, but often depends on the symbolism and cultural characteristics of the drawing. For example, it would be completely illogical to depict tiki in any style other than Polynesia. A tattoo with a Chania mask also has certain limitations, because it looks good only in the traditional Japanese oriental style in combination with dark waves, lotuses, peonies and other attributes characteristic of such images. The color of the demonic face is of great importance - the darker it is, the stronger the demon's fury.
Bright, rich in saturated colors tattoo sleeves with new school masks look gorgeous. A composition can consist of many elements: a stage, backstage, auditorium and even an orchestra pit. Works in which there is some sarcasm also look interesting in this style, for example, a laughing horned devil and a crying angel with a halo. Such a tattoo may indicate that sometimes bad actions bring joy and satisfaction, and good ones bring pain and suffering.
A realistic portrait of a girl whose face is hidden by a luxurious Venetian mask on her hand will look cool. Realism is a rather complex style, so choose a master responsibly, because not everyone will succeed in such work.
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