Masks and Masking

<p> For at least 20000 years masking has been a mark of cultural evolution and an indication of magical-religious sophistication in society.</p><p> This book provides a comprehensive understanding of the mask as a powerful cultural phenomenon--a means by which human groupings attempted to communicate their dignity and sense of purpose as well as establish a continuum between the natural and supernatural worlds. It addresses the distinctive environments within which masks flourished and analyzes the mask as a manifestation of art ethnology and anthropology.</p>