Masks have been used throughout history for a variety of reasons. The most widely known use was to transform actors into their characters before the advent of stage makeup and tolerance of women as actors. A mask was a fast and simple method to turn an actor into any character. A quick change to another mask and even a moderate alteration in costume and viola!...an actor could play multiple parts. More importantly a mask was a simple way for a man to play the part of a female. In most cultures women were denied the right to act on stage, or even in the street until the 19th century. Even then, actresses were often viewed as "wanton" women by society. King Charles II of England shocked the realm by reversing the law banning women from performing, it is said for the love of one of his mistresses who wanted to be an actress. It was one of many shocking dalliances and changes during his reign.

Perhaps the first uses of masks were for religeous reasons. Across the world religeous leaders, brides, bridegrooms, rulers and those who have passed on have worn masks in an effort to confuse or hide their true identity from the spirits and dieties.

During the English Renaisance, pale skin was the symbol of those who were wealthy enough to recline in comfort while servants waited on them and toiled in the fields. The paler the skin, the more privileged the person. During this time women, and even men, would often wear simple full face masks while riding in coaches and otherwise travelling where the sun might color their skin a bit. These masks had eye holes, but no mouth or strap. Instead, they were held in place by a button that the wearer would grip firmly in her teeth. Probably a twofold effect was acheived for the women of the day.