Tattoo girl's face in a mask sketch. Mask

Many people nowadays want to decorate their body with tattoos. For some, this is just a decoration, but someone makes them with meaning, because it was for various ritual and sacred actions that they were made at the very beginning.

One of the most common motifs among modern tattoos are masks..

Guys

If a mask tattoo is found in guys, then here the meaning is derived to stealth. The man seems to take on another role to hide his true identity. These do not have to be theatrical attributes, as tattoos can contain images of other types of masks. This approach shows that reincarnations are characteristic of a person and he is aware of the impermanence of the human essence.

It is also worth considering how exactly the mask is depicted. If this is an aggressive pattern with horns, sharp corners, teeth, and also has a demonic tint, then this already speaks more about the person himself. These masks are protective and tattoos with such images are designed to protect their wearer.

Behind the pompous aggressiveness lies the desire to fence off from the outside world. But even a joyful and friendly mask does not speak of the complete openness of a person.

The meaning may change if the tattoo itself was made as a tribute to a particular culture. For example, the Japanese mask of Chania, which in the original can be deciphered as a symbol of love revenge and all-consuming passion, can only be made out of love for oriental motifs.

Girls

For girls, mask tattoos can take on a slightly different symbolism. Here it is more relevant to talk not about protection under the mask, but about the duality of nature. After all, every woman considers herself an actress and theatrical masks in the form of a tattoo can emphasize this..

It is worth noting that it is women who often have not one image, but several masks together. Often there are masks from the Venetian carnivals.

They have characteristic shape and are easily recognized, therefore, many consider them just a beautiful decoration. In fact, the meaning of such a tattoo hides the equality of all people. Since at the carnival it can be hidden behind it like a merchant, a coachman or even a doge.

Double options, when a sad and cheerful mask is depicted at the same time, shows the variability of life. This tattoo says that both black and white stripes happen in life. They are more inherent in strong people who are ready for any trials of fate.

Prison value

In prison, tattoos play a big role, as they say a lot about a person. Some of them must be earned, while others are a sign of shame, while in freedom, neither will have such a strong meaning for ordinary people. The most common tattoo in the zone is with two masks.

One of them, as a rule, the one on the left, expresses joy, and the second - sadness. Here the meaning can be deciphered as the mood of a person when he was at large, left mask, and when he went to prison - right. Like many other prison options, they do not differ in the sophistication of forms and great detail, as they are made by a handicraft method.

Drawing in the form of masks is a relatively new, but rapidly developing trend in the world of body painting, which has won a large audience of fans. Before you know what the mask means, you need to carefully study the history of its occurrence.

They appeared about five thousand years ago, when mankind believed in otherworldly forces. When communicating with spirits, face coverings were an integral part of the ritual so that the dead would not recognize the person and take him away after the completion of the ceremony. Also, this object has become an integral part of the hunt. Putting it on, the shamans penetrated the soul of the animal, which made it much easier to catch.

Nowadays, hiding your face is no longer relevant. Masks can be found at carnivals, holidays, circuses or theme parties, but not in everyday life. However, it is important to know that each faceplate reflects some ideas and meanings, so let's consider the designation of the tattoo mask of the most common types.

Military. The image of the mask of warriors is perfect for admirers of the culture of different warring peoples. Their main function is protection from combat wounds, so they can be considered amulets.
Theatrical masks Before revealing the meaning of theatrical mask tattoos, you will probably be interested in the origins of their appearance and further popularization. These objects served as a means of conveying the emotions of the actors on stage. Their homeland is ancient Greece and Rome. Later they became a symbol of theatrical excellence. It is a picture consisting of two faces: the first is smiling, joyful; the second is sad. Based on this, we can conclude that a tattoo of two masks means the constant changeability of life, and of course, acting. Therefore, it is perfect for representatives of this profession. Also, the hanya mask belongs to this category - an attribute of the Japanese theater, symbolizing wisdom. Outwardly, she resembles a demon: two horns, fangs, a terrifying smile. According to legend, one unrequited loving woman turned into this creature and burned her lover with a flame of fire.
Hollywood masks are now quite a popular motif in body painting. Many people want to display characters from their favorite films and TV shows on their bodies. The picture of the mask of the Joker, the villain and opponent of Batman, is in great demand. In addition, the mask of vendetta, which appeared in the film of the same name, is quite common. Another common plot is the Jason Voorhees mask tattoo from the Friday the 13th movie. Recreating the images of his favorite heroes, the owner of the tattoo wants to adopt their personal qualities, abilities or skills.
Venetian. Until now, carnivals are not complete without their use. The idea is that with their help you can completely compare all the participants of the holiday, regardless of their social status, material support and other things. They are considered a sign of equality and justice. Often they are recreated as a tattoo of a girl in a mask.
Ethnic. Many ethnic groups were engaged in body painting long before the advent of modern permanent body paintings. Great success in this art was achieved by the Indians and the tribes of the Pacific Islands. It is important to note the image of the Polynesian mask - their sketches are quite in demand to this day. According to the beliefs of the Polynesians, they are able to protect against evil forces and act as a talisman in battle.

When choosing a stylistic solution, you will face the problem of a huge number of various options. Often the work is done using bright colors. The only exception is: the use of paint is contrary to style, so black must be used.

The direction also depends on what you want to portray. If these are characters from movies, it is better to visualize them as realistically as possible, with accurate rendering of the smallest details. Other sketches can be applied in graphic technique. By the way, they are often combined with other plots, so mask sleeves are not uncommon.

In any person there is a certain mystery, many aspects of our life, our thoughts and experiences remain a mystery to others. Theatrical mask tattoo, the meaning of which indicates the need for secrecy, a kind of 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 a work team, another in a circle of friends, a third at home. In some cases, this can be called hypocrisy, but often we only hide certain 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 in different cultures

Polynesia

In the culture of Polynesia, tattoo masks play a very important role. They are called tics and are depicted in such a way that their eyes look in all directions at once, symbolizing protection from any danger, no matter where it comes from. Tiki are 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 machinations of enemies, but also from the influence of evil spirits.

Africa

In the rituals of African tribes, who still live outside of modern civilization, as thousands of years ago, wooden masks are widely used, symbolizing certain spirits and deities. AT Ancient Egypt masks were an important component of funeral rites, symbolizing the outer shell that guards the soul of the deceased in the afterlife.

America

The shamans of the North American Indian tribes put on a mask during the ritual, identifying it with the divine face, transferring its power to the shaman.
During the 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 Hanya mask tattoo depicting the face of a demon. Demonic entities, in principle, are 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 arose because of unrequited love for a monk. According to legend, she turned into a demon and incinerated him with her fiery breath.

ancient greece

Most often in modern tattoo art, theatrical masks that have already become classics are found, 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 a god or some entity from the other world in rituals.

Modern culture

Not only ancient traditions influence 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 tattoo symbols. His story takes us back to the 17th century, when the Briton Guy Fawkes, who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, had to light a fuse that led to a gunpowder-filled room under the Houses of Parliament. It was there that he was captured 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 dishonorable person, then main character The film speaks of him as a brave hero who was not afraid to challenge the authorities, even though he failed.
The image of the legendary conspirator even influenced the English language. A new word appeared in it - guy. Initially, it denoted an effigy, 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 it began to be used to refer to any stuffed animal, then a tastelessly dressed person. In modern English language the word refers simply to a young man.

Meanings in modern tattoo art

A mask tattoo means the same thing for men and women, with the exception of Polynesian tics, which are traditionally considered a male 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 justifying expectations, or simply 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 trouble.
Duality of nature. Such a tattoo indicates that the character of its owner is ambiguous, he can show unexpected qualities.
Ability to adapt easily. The image 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, they are a talisman, they 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 display all that wide range of emotions that rage in a person suffering from unrequited love. In classical Japanese theatrical productions, when an actor wearing such a mask looks directly into the audience, the expression on the demon's face looks angry, aggressive and intimidating. But as soon as you tilt your head a little, completely different features appear in the image, there is a feeling that the demon is yearning, almost crying. Indeed, a person whose feelings have remained unshared is simultaneously angry at fate and the object of his sympathy, resentment, longing and pain.

Theatrical traditions

A smiling mask is an attribute of Thalia (the muse of comedy), which characterizes a positively minded person. His way of thinking is positive, he goes through life with a smile, readily meeting obstacles in his path.
The weeping mask is an attribute of Melpomene (the muse of tragedy). Such an image indicates melancholy, a pessimistic attitude, a tendency to fatalism.
A tattoo with two masks means that a person is able to reincarnate, play different roles, depending on what fate has prepared for him, what circumstances life puts him in front of.
Such images are perfectly combined with other theatrical surroundings: a curtain, 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 has given us many characters that are now known to everyone and everyone. Hollywood masks usually speak of a passion for a particular 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 it is a DC Comics character, then the image will speak of sympathy for him, identifying himself with him.

Stylistic decisions

As for the style and color palette, the choice is very wide, but often depends on the symbolism and cultural characteristics drawing. For example, it would be completely illogical to depict tiki in any other style than Polynesian. The Chania mask tattoo 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 has great importance The darker it is, the stronger the demon's rage.

Bright, rich in rich colors tattoo sleeves with New School masks look gorgeous. A composition can consist of many elements: a stage, backstage, an auditorium, and even an orchestra pit. Interesting in this style are also works in which there is a share of sarcasm, for example, a laughing horned devil and a weeping angel with a halo. Such a tattoo may indicate that sometimes bad deeds bring joy and satisfaction, and good deeds 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 complicated style, so choose the master responsibly, because not everyone will succeed in such work.

It seems that the transition from a flat surface to a round is not a problem for them. The main purpose of African sculpture is not a representation of visible world, and the embodiment of the realities of the moral or supernatural order, this is abstract art by definition, it does not seek to generate the only aesthetic emotions, hence its ability to charm.

This means that they hide or suppress the personality. They camouflage the wearer in the face and figuratively to help him personify a wandering force, spirit or god, enchant him with their own image in order to better capture and maneuver him. The sculptural part, which is shown in museums, is only an element of the mask, which consists, in fact, of a complete costume, which has given name and who is exhibited at ceremonies, whose music and dance are integral parts. These rites are also points set by the main existential problems developed within the framework of specific mythologies: the struggle between good and evil, the mystery of origins, the torment of death.

Nowadays, hiding your face is no longer relevant. Masks can be found at carnivals, holidays, circuses or themed parties, but not in everyday life. However, it is important to know that each faceplate reflects some ideas and meanings, so let's consider the designation of the tattoo mask of the most common types.

Military. The image of the mask of warriors is perfect for admirers of the culture of different warring peoples. Their main function is protection from combat wounds, so they can be considered amulets.
Theatrical masks Before revealing the meaning of theatrical mask tattoos, you will probably be interested in the origins of their appearance and further popularization. These objects served as a means of conveying the emotions of the actors on stage. Their homeland is ancient Greece and Rome. Later they became a symbol of theatrical excellence. It is a picture consisting of two faces: the first is smiling, joyful; the second is sad. Based on this, we can conclude that a tattoo of two masks means the constant changeability of life, and of course, acting. Therefore, it is perfect for representatives of this profession. Also, the hanya mask belongs to this category - an attribute of the Japanese theater, symbolizing wisdom. Outwardly, she resembles a demon: two horns, fangs, a terrifying smile. According to legend, one unrequited loving woman turned into this creature and burned her lover with a flame of fire.
Hollywood masks are now quite a popular motif in body painting. Many people want to display characters from their favorite films and TV shows on their bodies. The picture of the mask of the Joker, the villain and opponent of Batman, is in great demand. In addition, the mask of vendetta, which appeared in the film of the same name, is quite common. Another common plot is the Jason Voorhees mask tattoo from the Friday the 13th movie. Recreating the images of his favorite heroes, the owner of the tattoo wants to adopt their personal qualities, abilities or skills.
Venetian. Until now, carnivals are not complete without their use. The idea is that with their help you can completely compare all the participants of the holiday, regardless of their social status, material support and other things. They are considered a sign of equality and justice. Often they are recreated as a tattoo of a girl in a mask.
Ethnic. Many ethnic groups were engaged in body painting long before the advent of modern permanent body paintings. Great success in this art was achieved by the Indians and the tribes of the Pacific Islands. It is important to note the image of the Polynesian mask - their sketches are quite in demand to this day. According to the beliefs of the Polynesians, they are able to protect against evil forces and act as a talisman in battle.

Speaking of places to apply, the picture of the mask on the hand is the most common option. People around will definitely not remain indifferent to such a tattoo, since its plot component is very rare, which makes the drawing unique to some extent. But if the mask on your hand does not suit you, its size and shape allow you to place it in any other place: on the chest, side, back, hips, calves.

From theologians to encyclopedists in search of universal categories who haven't written about the mask? What gallery did not dream of undertaking and what museum neglected to organize an exhibition on this topic? The oldest American masks known today are stone masks belonging to the Olmec civilization.

For Oceans, the mask or body disguise often allows the ancestral spirit to speak and act in educational care, towards the youngest, to evoke the mythical history of the group. Occupying the coastal plain of Guinea, Baga lives from the cultivation of rice on the land, prepared by long labor: clearing mangroves by fire, building dams. Situated on sand dunes, the villages are connected by streams that are flooded for six months of the year.

From time immemorial, masks have been used by people in the performance of various religious rites and rituals. In Buddhist culture, masks were used as amulets against non-believers or people who were opponents of their faith.

Usually masks are the personification of something. Usually spirits or gods. Masks had a wide purpose in antiquity, but regardless of their scope, they had one common goal - to hide the true face of their owners. They were worn by theater actors, spies and even doctors.

The name given to the population inhabiting the Gazelle Peninsula, located in the northeast of the island of New Britain in Melanesia. cavity or even in fabric mannequins. These societies revere the spirits of the forest, which they represent with masks. In Africa, the mask is the guarantor of a smooth launch of creation, and for an African artist, making masks is not a gratuitous act.

The tattoo as a sign of recognition and a symbol of protection immediately joined the gang of culture. In this article, we will discuss some tattoo gangs and some used, but because the topic is extensive, we will definitely return. In South America, the gang phenomenon is born in the prisons of El Salvador, Ecuador, Mexico, and then develops on the streets until they come to America as real evil organizations. During this period, in Italy there is talk of a Latin gang. He was assigned to each gang for a specific task.

Meaning of a mask tattoo

This type of tattoo has appeared relatively recently, and before applying it, you should study the meaning of the image well. A tattoo mask can mark protection, concealment, reincarnation, non-existence. She is the personification of the inner qualities of a person, hidden behind the outer shell.

The tattoo is applied by people who want to hide their true inner qualities, motives and motivations. A lot of creative people choose a mask tattoo. Usually masks represent two types of images - tragic and ominously joyful. Sometimes an image is applied in the form of two masks located opposite to each other, thus emphasizing the opposite of the internal qualities of a person, good and evil, white and black.

From there, they even began to go beyond the American border. The same letters and numbers tattooed on the forehead, accompanied by horns that emerge from under the skin, indicate a flick or a pandilla's head, terms that are found on the cell. These figures show 666 "belonging to q" actions of the gang of the group, which in the slang is called the team.

Theatrical masks, hands holding banknotes or coins indicate those involved in the racket. canvas, hourglass or tear-off calendar indicate the prison. The face of a young girl smiling shows that the member in charge of managing the prostitutes is often underage. The girl was crying and covered her face with her hands, pointing to Mat, or the killer. Money, seductive women, eyes that cry, clown masks, guns, game symbols used are some of the many symbols that represent other aspects of gangster life.

Strength, success, seduction, wealth, pain, danger, in short, clear messages. The clown mask, for example, is a smile on the outside, but cries on the inside. Represent faith and hope for a better life, a call for help and protection, and can also be used along with roses and perhaps written in memory of a lost person, a tattoo in memory of a loved one. Pre-Columbian symbols, Aztec warriors, Mesoamerican deities, glyphs, mythological creatures of the Aztec civilizations, pyramids, statues and monuments.

These are the symbols used to represent, the pride of the race, the descendants of the warrior culture that created the empire, the roots before the arrival of Europeans. Figures of revolutionaries in Mexican independent movement also represent the pride of their culture, Behind the skin of Pirpaolo Pinto - Lucia Elisha. Various cultures associate these objects with different values, but they.

Masks at all times personified the duplicity and deceit of human nature. People in the mask have always been treated with suspicion and distrust, because behind the outer shell there was something unknown, mysterious and frightening. Currently, there are four types of mask tattoos: theatrical, Hollywood, Chania mask and Venetian mask. Each of them has its own history of origin and feature.

Permanent elements attributed to masks of spiritual significance, their use in dance and other religious rites, and the recognition of a special social status for the artists who perform them and those who wear them. In most cases, mask making is an art that is passed down from father to son, along with knowledge of the symbolic and religious values associated with it.

Masks are found everywhere in the world, so they can be considered a global phenomenon; However, no other continent has many masks that are used in Africa. Even today they do not know where they originated, although there are countless testimonies.

Men's tattoo masks

Tattoos with Hollywood masks are very popular among men. They appeared from Hollywood films, and are applied to the body to personify horror, crime, cruelty and danger, in general, the most terrible human vices.

For men, the image of two masks is also suitable, embodying two different qualities of a person, usually negative. One of the personalities of such masks is a symbol of pain and suffering, while the other personifies an ominous feast, won by superiority and enslavement of the good side.

Some myths tell us that women knew the secrets of masks in front of people. According to these traditions, women worked well on the land. Men, fearing to lose their own. Strength gathered in secret associations. Since then, cults of masks have been held without the direct participation of women.

However, these masked creatures are also important to women and children who practice dancing with the masks they created, but are already aware of the role of the masked creatures. The company's masks are used to solve problems among men. They play an important role in earth worship and ancestor worship through intermediary spirits, rites of passage, and fertility rites.

Usually two such masks are placed back to back, or the dominant mask is placed larger in the foreground. This indicates the dominance of bad human qualities over good ones. For example, laziness, which destroys all light germs and does not allow the development of all the positive potential of a person.

Therefore, the mask is a personified person who comes to the village from the world of the afterlife to convey a message to the people of this world. Masks have many functions: they want to help people, introduce them and instruct them, argue and make judgments.

Increasingly frequent contact with Europeans, especially since the colonial era, has led to the disappearance of many structures of traditional society; As a result, many of the masks today are not. Used most in the original sense, with the exception of remote rural areas.

They are still in use and retain at least some of their traditional functionality. Even Japanese masks like the Chinese are of ancient origin and they are associated with religious rituals and exorcism as well as wedding and funeral ceremonies. They are smaller than other traditional masks, often not covering the entire face of the actor. There are over 200 Noh theater masks, but only eighty are considered necessary for performances.

Today, the vendetta mask is popular among men. A smiling grimace, which has a very double meaning. On the one hand, a smile, but behind it is hidden something that no one knows.

masks are also worn for protection purposes. There is an opinion that choosing the right one in the form of a mask will keep its owner from evil spirits.

Female tattoo masks

The beautiful half of humanity rarely applies this kind of tattoo, probably due to their negative context. However, such cases also occur. There are variants of this type. Usually they choose tattoo masks, the meaning of which is less frightening and gloomy. To do this, other additional attributes are applied around the masks, such as bird feathers, flowers, scarves, or butterfly wings.

The "gigak mask" is more ancient and according to the legend of Korean origin and spread to Japan in the seventh century. Tie over to imitate a field dance worn in processions where they recite music in a pattern that is reminiscent of a drama. They were made of wood and fake hair and covered the entire head of the actor, with dramatic expressions representing both animals such as birds and lions, but also supernatural and fantastical beings.

While this mask talk is no longer synonymous with carnival, the feast before Lent and then Easter is just one facet of the symbol that hides endless universes, fascinating. Different and equal masks, unique and absolute opposites, but always complementary to the wearer. According to African tradition, masks are not worn, they choose who will have to wear them.

Note that for ladies, the use of bright colors is more suitable, for example, red and blue. Women, unlike men, are less likely to use monotonous images consisting of a combination of two colors - black and white. Also, on sketches of tattoo masks for girls, ominous or oppressed images are rarely found. More often these are female images hiding behind a simple mask.

The use of the mask is lost in time, you do not know its origin, we are sure to collect documents and images of men and women from his masked faces in graffiti and cemeteries belonging to different peoples and traditions, cultures and geographical locations. How If one conscience and necessity inspired the hearts and minds of people regardless of place and time.

What is certain is that the use of the mask is also reserved for rites and this function you can already find the origin of human history: they used masks to propitiate a good hunt and especially in magical and religious rites. Priests, sorcerers, shamans, magicians, spellcasters used masks that not only distinguish them from "normal" people, but they are presented in an anthropomorphic image of a divine essence or a demonic one. Thus, the mask was a kind of way to connect the rational part with the spiritual and extraterrestrial ether.

The term "mask" is from Longobard, but there are examples in the ancient medieval, "mask" means a larva, a witch, a si, but also a demon. These meanings, however, should not be misleading, the mask was not an omen of death or something dark and sad, it always opens, through the image of the inner man, a kind of bridge to this creative and fantastic universe parallel to or above the real world. The same applies to the term "witch", which did not define a female being who suffocated and a magic potion at the expense of someone, and was not a servant of Satan.

A popular tattoo with the image of a woman peeking out from behind her own mask. Usually the mask of a girl in such an image is decorated with red and black feathers or a rosebud. There is also the option of applying a tattoo on the body in the form of two faces, one of which has a black mask, and the other has a red one. These colors will help emphasize the meaning of the tattoo.

The witch was the feminine connection between man and the essence of the universe; The mask served these women so that the energy of the spirits manifested itself to the living, and then advised, healed, indicated new paths. Free thoughts. The same applies to demons; it was not until the eighteenth century that the demon was considered a "devil" and then synonymous with the devil, the son and disciple of Lucifer, but once the demon was a spirit that was, dare I say, on a hypothetical scale of importance, shortly after the Guardian Angels. Demons were benign spirits usually united in nature and showed the man what to do with his beloved, with his wife who did not give birth, with animals, with the passage of time and with the fields to be sown.

Choosing a place for a tattoo mask

For men and women, a tattoo mask applied to the shoulder is equally suitable. This is one of the most popular places for wearable drawings, as they will be perfectly visible.

Another common place to get a tattoo is the shoulder blade. It is also suitable for both men and women. However, this is a good option if you are a fan or lover of wearing sleeveless shirts. And even in this case, in order to admire your tattoo yourself, you will have to stand with your back to the mirror and twist your head.

The demons were elves, gnomes, fairies, keepers of wisdom, man could only guess, quite similar to the nymphs, to the muses, Parnassus satires of Greek memory. The mask has been associated with the Carnival celebrated in the countries of the Christian Catholic tradition, since the disguise allows this transformation envisaged by the carnival philosophy. In the carnival mask he has the power to overturn actually gives vent to the imagination: in this case, the mask of skins hides the fact that they can be fantasy and imagination to cover the matter.

There is not only a taste to give to the soul, inner man: the main purpose of the carnival mask is to overthrow the social order, to be what it would never be or will seem to be. I would like to become. The carnival mask is people and power, the bourgeoisie, nobility and high clergy. It is armor up to the established order before the severe fasting comes to the premise of the feast of rebirth in Christ's resurrection, Easter.

A good place for a tattoo is the inside of the arm. But there are some nuances here. For example, limited space will not allow you to apply a large image, which will make the design less noticeable, unlike a tattoo on the shoulder or shoulder blade, where there is plenty of space. Although there are also positive aspects. For example, a tattoo will be seen more often because it will not be hidden under clothing.

The tattoo in the form of a mask appeared not so long ago, but has already managed to gain popularity among fans of images on their bodies. It has its own special meaning, so before applying it, it is better to learn as much as possible about it.

Mask tattoo on the chest of a man

History of the mask

The first masks appeared in ancient times, when all mankind believed in demons and spirits. In order not to be recognized in the real world, they put on masks. People who wanted to communicate with representatives of the other world also covered their faces. The mask helped them hide their true face. Shamans used masks when they went hunting. They had to communicate with the souls of dead animals, so they needed protection.

Did you know? Winston Churchill had an anchor tattoo on his body.

The mask was considered an indispensable attribute for various rituals. For example, the inhabitants of India and Africa put them on during the initiation of boys and girls. Masks were also used in rituals to increase wealth. Very often they were simply dressed in order to rob wealthy people. Representatives of the communities chose one type of mask for themselves and this emphasized that they were from the same community. Masks have often been used in Buddhist culture. Its representatives were very jealous of those who did not recognize or attacked their faith. They used masks as protection. During the celebrations, lamas wore masks and costumes that personified evil gods.

Theatrical mask tattoo on arm

A tattoo mask can become a real amulet for its owner. To do this, it is better to contact not only the tattoo master, but also a person with extrasensory abilities.

Yesterday I went to the salon and tattooed a mask on my chest. It turned out very colorful, although the skin has not yet healed. Looking forward to the final result!

Oleg, Tomsk

Masks were worn not only on the face. Ancient people used them as a headdress, wore them in their hands and even their teeth. Costumes in the form of a mask were very popular. They helped to hide the appearance of one person or even several people.

Chicano-style mask tattoos on the side of the body

What does a mask tattoo mean?

The mask is a symbol of the duality of man. It can mean non-existence, transformation, concealment, protection. In some cases, this tattoo conveys a message that contains an intangible and impersonal meaning. It is usually chosen by people who want to hide their inner qualities and motives. The mask was a kind of amulet among the inhabitants of Oceania and Africa, so it is also applied for these purposes. A tattoo in the form of a mask can be seen on the body of many creative people. For example, Mikhail Galustyan.

Distorted or unique facial features can be presented in various ways - tragic or comic. This is the meaning of the image of the mask. This is a kind of unity of two opposite personalities in one person. The mask tattoo, a photo of which can be found in any catalog of tattoo parlors, has various image options.

There are also such masks in the style of an evil clown

To date, tattoo parlors use 4 options for mask tattoos:

Venetian
Hollywood
theatrical
Chania mask

Each of them has its own special meaning.

Important! Before applying a tattoo mask, you need to decide which one is more suitable for your inner state.

theatrical mask

The first theatrical masks appeared in Greece and Rome. With their help, the actors expressed their feelings on stage. After some time, the mask became a symbol of theatrical art. If you want to emphasize that a person's life is fickle and changeable, feel free to choose this image in the form of a tattoo. This mask tattoo, sketches of which can be found even on the Internet, will suit actors and all creative people, as well as everyone who loves to joke and be sad at the same time.

Carnivals have always fascinated me. Once I was even lucky enough to visit one of them. As soon as I got home, I went to the salon to get a tattoo in the form of a carnival mask. I wanted the unforgettable impressions that I received from the trip to stay with me forever. The master inflicted a tattoo on my shoulder blade in the form of a mask. I chose the most colorful colors. Everyone around was delighted with my tattoo!

Elena, Moscow

Sad and joyful emotions in the image of masks

Venetian masks

Venetian carnivals are still not complete without masks adorned with precious stones and gold jewelry. The main purpose of these accessories is to compare all the participants of the holiday, who may have different material and social status. Wearing a Venetian mask was allowed only during the carnival itself. Today, this tattoo is a symbol of fair realism and a tough world. A mask tattoo, the meaning of which may differ depending on the type, can be depicted both in black and white and in bright colors.

Hollywood masks

We owe the appearance of this type of mask to American horror films. Such a tattoo inspires fear and anxiety in everyone around. It symbolizes bloodlust, cruelty, mystery and danger.

I play in the theater, so I wanted to get myself a tattoo that would emphasize my acting skills. The designer advised me to choose a mask tattoo. I did not want a black and white image, so the master chose bright and saturated shades for me. I was very satisfied.

Oksana, Tyumen

Tattoo masks using trash style and a little watercolor

Chania mask

This mask has interesting story. A Japanese girl fell in love with a wandering monk, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. As a result, the Japanese woman became jealous, vengeful and turned into an evil demon. It is he who is depicted on the mask of Chania. The mask is quite scary - with black eyes, scary teeth and horns. The tattoo in the form of this mask symbolizes the all-consuming fire and the breath of passion, as a Japanese girl, having turned into a demon, fell in love with another man and burned him.