The mask is designed primarily to hide a person's face, his personality and character. A certain aura of mystery, illusion and intrigue is formed around it. At all times the mask symbolized hypocrisy and deceitfulness. A person who has a mask tattoo distinguishes from others the duplicity of nature, regardless of whether it is a man or a woman. Sometimes the sketch of the tattoo is made in the form of two masks - sad and funny.
It will be original if on the body will find a place for a tattoo with the image of one mask, or it will consist of several. If a person who wishes to adorn himself with a tattoo mask decided to apply it, it is worth wondering whether his perception of this image coincides with the generally accepted. This tattoo obligates the owner to a certain artistry and mystique, for all others he will become the owner of a mysterious, extraordinary and unclear character.
For those who are looking closer to such a drawing, it will be interesting to know what the tattoo of the mask means. Masks, sketches of which exist in the world of tattoos are divided into such types: theatrical, Venetian, Hollywood, the mask of Chania.
Theatrical masks: the tattoo consists of two masks - a comic mask and a tragic mask. The tragic mask denotes sadness and tears. The comic mask represents laughter and joy. If both masks are applied, then the owner of the tattoo is prone to variability. Such tattoos are popular among actors. The mask with tears means that the bearer of this image is not what it seems in life.
Hollywood masks: this type of tattoo came to us from horror movies. First of all, such a tattoo is designed to instill fear and fear in others, symbolizing lies and heartlessness.
Hania Mask: the symbol of the Japanese tattoo, symbolizes a girl turned into a demon for loving a monk and later destroying him. The meaning of such a mask is rage, annoyance and a breath of passion.
The Venetian mask: these masks were worn at carnival. They were very richly decorated. The purpose of such a mask is to equalize all the people in the carnival, the same meaning is carried by the tattoo - the equality of people.
Some ethnic groups used the tattoo mask as a talisman, it helped to communicate with the souls of animals and ancestors, a kind of protection from evil spirits.
Such a tattoo looks very original, but requires a great knowledge of culture, as in the picture is important any detail that may carry a certain connotation.
The meaning of the mask tattoo is a reflection of the hidden side of the character, the expression of a position on a certain life situation.
Mystery is present in every person, hence the increasing popularity of this tattoo. The drawing on the body with the image of a mask is attractive and unique, it is able to decorate any part of the body of its owner and convey to others the meaning intended for him.
Tattoo mask meaning
The tattoo with a mask will go out of its way to make people around you feel uncomfortable. Its meaning is very interesting. A person with such a drawing has something to hide. This is an introvert, he is shy, bashful and does not like to open up his soul to others.
The drawing serves as a protection, covering from people a part of the soul of the owner. Such a person may reveal an unexpected side. He has a dual nature. But in a confusing situation, he is not confused, and organically adapt to the circumstances. The tattoo symbolizes the hidden side of the nature and facial expression.
Since ancient times, people used masks when performing magic rituals. Faces were covered with the faces of gods and idols. A person played the role of a deity.
Tattoos depicting a mask are found in the cultures of different peoples, playing the role of amulets. The Polynesians draw a tiki on their bodies. This is the appearance of a warrior, whose eyes look in all directions, watching for enemies. The drawing is accompanied by ornaments and symbols indicating strength and intuition: turtle, spiral, lizard. Such a tattoo is a powerful amulet that protects the master even in his sleep from evil people and spirits.
In ancient Greece, tattoos with theatrical masks were beloved. Two sides characterized the hero: comic and tragic. Such a look was an embodiment of a god or spirit from a parallel world.
In some African tribes masks are still used in ceremonies, so that the idol would be present when magical acts are performed. The same purpose for which they were worn by Native American shamans in North America. Some pieces represented the sun and were made of pure gold.
In ancient Egypt, a mask was put on a deceased person, so that in the afterlife it would protect him.
Very popular were masks in Venice during carnival. They were made of gold leaf and precious stones. Thanks to their rich decoration, all class and material distinctions were erased between the people having fun. All carnival-goers were equal and had the right to party. With their faces covered, people were drunk with freedom and permissiveness. But once the party was over, the attire had to be removed, and those who disobeyed were severely punished with prison and caning. A tattoo with a mask has become associated with a person's duplicity.
Very popular are tattoos with masks in Japan. The sketches mostly depict demons. And the darker the color of the design, the more fierce the demon. Popular is the tattoo of Hanja. According to legend, this is the soul of a jealous woman. The image of the cunning demon protects and guards the master.
Venetian Mask Tattoo
Venetian masks are currently used for carnivals. Such a mask removes the real face of the person and equalizes everyone. It absolutely does not matter your financial status and social status. In such a mask, everyone is equal. Tattoo with the image of the Venetian mask speaks of a just and cruel world. Tattoo of the Venetian mask looks great in both black and white and in color, but the color version looks more beautiful and attractive.
Meaning of the tattoo for girls
Women like this tattoo because of its beauty and aesthetics. Accompanied by feathers, birds, butterflies and flowers, the sketch looks very romantic. The fair sex avoids black and white images and threatening images. The weaker sex likes beautiful and delicate sketches in color.
Girls by nature are actresses, so the tattoo means duality of nature.
Image of a girl in a mask" tattoo
The image of a girl in a mask, depicted on the body, has a symbol of a dual nature, the inconsistency of the inner state with what others see. A beautiful, bright tattoo can easily decorate both male and female body. Such a tattoo looks quite appealing. The combination of girlish beauty and brightness of the mask creates a charming image.
The meaning of the tattoo for men
The image of the mask can be seen in a secretive man. He does not like to open up to his surroundings. He is like a chameleon used to adapt to circumstances, hiding his essence.
Guys get such a tattoo as a protection and amulet. It can be the threatening faces of Japanese demons, or a drawing with fangs and horns. Such designs look aggressive and frightening, as if in advance warning to be more careful with their owner. Often the motive for such a tattoo is the desire to fence off from the outside world.
Tattoo with a friendly expression does not mean the full openness of the person, it urges to be more careful with its owner. This is a veil, behind which he hides his thoughts.
The meaning of the tattoo mask
This type of tattoo appeared relatively recently, and before applying it should be well studied the meaning of the image. The tattoo mask can signify protection, concealment, reincarnation, nonexistence. It is the embodiment of the inner qualities of man, hidden behind the outer shell.
This tattoo is used by people who want to hide their true inner qualities, motives and drives. A lot of creative people choose the tattoo mask. Usually masks represent two kinds of images - the tragic and the ominously joyful. Sometimes they apply the image in the form of two masks, located opposite each other, thus emphasizing the opposite of the inner qualities of man, good and evil, white and black.
Masks at all times represented duplicity and mendacity of human nature. To people wearing a mask have always been treated with suspicion and mistrust, as behind the outer shell was hiding something unknown, mysterious and frightening. Currently, there are four varieties of tattoo masks: theatrical, Hollywood mask, Chania mask and Venetian mask. Each of them has its own history of origin and peculiarity.
The theatrical mask
The theater mask tattoo looks unusual. One half of it laughs and the other half cries. The muse of comedy - Thalia, and the muse of tragedy - Melpomene are combined in the sketch. Tattoo means duality of nature. A man with such a drawing has impermanence and changeable mood. On the one hand, he is an optimist and joyfully walks through life, and on the other - he is a gloomy melancholic man prone to depression. But he knows how to adapt to life's scenery.
The sketch is often performed with theatrical attributes: binoculars, a curtain, serpentine.
Meanings in modern tattoo art
Tattoo mask means the same thing for men and women, the only exception may be the Polynesian tiki, which is traditionally considered a male attribute. The meaning of such a tattoo depends largely on the history of the figure, belonging to a particular culture, but such images have a common symbolism:
- Concealment. Such a drawing is suitable for a man for whom it is important to keep certain aspects of his essence a secret. The reasons may be different: distrust of others, shame, shyness, fear of not being accepted, fear of hurting other people's feelings, of not meeting expectations, or simply introversion.
- Protection. In this case, it is a rather broad meaning. In the literal sense, the mask protects its owner, not allowing him to be identified, in the figurative sense, it serves as a talisman against unpleasantness.
- The duality of nature. Such a tattoo indicates that the character of its owner is ambiguous, he can manifest unexpected qualities.
- The ability to adapt easily. The image of the theatrical attribute indicates that the person chooses for himself a more favorable role depending on the circumstances, perfectly coping with each of them.
Tiki
Such images most often act as the center of composition with Polynesian ornaments, are a talisman, well combined with traditional symbols: turtles, which are also considered a protective amulet, spirals - solar signs, lizards, indicating mental strength and well-developed intuition.
Mask of Chania
A hanyang mask can represent the full range of emotions that rage in a person suffering from unrequited love. In classic Japanese theater productions, when an actor wearing such a mask looks directly into the audience, the demon's facial expression looks angry, aggressive and intimidating. But it is worth a little tilt of the head, and in the image appear completely different features, there is a feeling as if the demon is pining, almost crying. Indeed, a person whose feelings have remained unshared, simultaneously feels anger at fate and the object of his affection, resentment, longing and pain.
Theatrical traditions
A smiling mask is an attribute of Talia (the comedy muse), characterizing a positive-minded person. His way of thinking is positive, he goes through life with a smile, readily meeting obstacles in his way. The weeping mask is an attribute of Melpomene (the muse of tragedy). Such an image indicates melancholy, pessimistic mood, a tendency to fatalism. The tattoo of two masks means that the person is able to reincarnate, play different roles depending on what fate has prepared for him, before what circumstances puts his life. Such images are perfectly combined with other theatrical entourage: a curtain, musical instruments, binoculars.
Venetian Masquerade
Venetian masquerade masks, although they differ due to the richness of decorations and color solutions, 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 particularly popular.
Hollywood
In addition to the famous V, the film industry has given us many characters that are now known to anyone and everyone. Hollywood masks usually speak of a passion for this or that movie, the idea that is in it. For example, Jason's mask from "Friday the 13th" indicates an interest in the theme of maniacs, carnage, the reasons why a person begins to do atrocities. Such drawings look great in combination with images of murder weapons, such as a chainsaw, knife, machete.
Joker
If it is a card figure, the Joker mask will indicate a gambling man who is not afraid to take risks and enjoys it, if it is a DC Comics character, the image will speak of sympathy for him, identification with him.
Japanese Tengu Mask
Japanese tattoo masks are based on ancient motifs. They look defiant and depict demons. According to Japanese mythology, a demon is a bad person who has turned into a monster.
The tattoo of the sly Tengu is one of the most popular. The Japanese consider Tengu to be a spirit of the forest, who loves purity, is non-human and cunning. The demon can turn into a person. He loves and helps good people, but hates arrogant upstarts.
This sketch of Tengu shows the old man's red face. He has a long nose and a demonic expression. Sometimes a small cap is depicted on his head. The tattoo is used as protection against evil.
Video of the mask tattoo
Drawing in the form of masks - a relatively new, but rapidly developing trend in the world of body art, which has won a large audience of fans. Before you know what the mask means, you need to carefully examine the history of its origin.
They appeared about five thousand years ago, when mankind believed in otherworldly forces. In communicating with spirits, face coverings were an integral part of the ritual so that the dead would not recognize the person and take them away after the ritual was completed. The object also became an integral part of hunting. By putting it on, shamans got into the soul of the animal, which made catching it noticeably easier.
In our hour hiding the face is no longer relevant. Masks can be found at carnivals, festivals, in the circus or at theme parties, but not in everyday life. However, it is important to know that each facial plaque, displays some ideas and meanings, so let us consider the designation of the most common types of tattoo masks.
- Military. The image of warriors' masks are great for fans of the culture of different warrior nations. Their main function is protection from battle wounds, so they can be considered amulets.
- The theatrical masks Before revealing the meaning of tattoo theatrical masks, you will certainly be interested in the origins of their appearance and further popularization. These objects served as a means of conveying the emotions of actors on stage. Their homeland was ancient Greece and Rome. Later they became a symbol of theatrical artistry. It represents a picture consisting of two faces: the first - smiling, joyful; the second - sad. Based on this, we can conclude that the tattoo of two masks means the constant variability of life, and, of course, the art of acting. Therefore, it perfectly suits the representatives of this profession. Also, to this category belongs a mask hanya - attribute of the Japanese theater, symbolizing wisdom. In its appearance, it resembles a demon: two horns, fangs, a terrifying smile. According to legend, one unrequited lover turned into this creature and burned her lover with the flames of fire.
- Hollywood masks are now quite a popular motif in body painting. Many people want to display characters from their favorite movies and TV series on their bodies. In great demand is a picture of the Joker's mask - the villain and Batman's adversary. In addition, the Vendetta mask, which appeared in the movie of the same name, is quite common. Another frequent subject is the Jason Voorhees mask tattoo from the movie "Friday the 13th". By recreating the images of favorite characters, the owner of the tattoo wants to adopt their personal qualities, abilities or skills.
- Venetian. To this day, carnivals are not without their use. The idea is that with them you can fully compare all the participants of the festival, regardless of their social status, wealth 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 emergence of modern permanent body art. Indians and tribes of the Pacific Islands were very successful in this art. It is important to note the image of Polynesian masks - their sketches are quite in demand to this day. According to the beliefs of Polynesians, they can protect from evil forces and act as a talisman in battle.
Speaking of places to apply, a picture of a mask on the hand is the most common option. The surrounding people will definitely not be indifferent to such a tattoo, because its subject is very rare, which makes the picture in some way unique. But if the mask on your hand does not suit you, its size and shape allow placing it in any other place: on chest, side, back, thighs, calves.
Many people nowadays want to decorate their bodies with tattoos. For some it is just a decoration, and someone makes them with meaning, because it is for various ritual and sacred actions and they were made in the beginning.
One of the common motifs among modern tattoos are masks
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Two masks
A tattoo with two masks looks very advantageous. It can be either colored or black and white. The drawing has a deep philosophical meaning: sometimes good intentions bring suffering, and bad actions bring joy. The contrast of the two faces looks spectacular. For example, a laughing devil and a sad angel, located on the sleeves. Such a tattoo speaks of the owner as a creative person, not deprived of a share of hypocrisy.
Also in men can be found tattoos with two masks, which are depicted with their backs to each other. Or one face is superior to the other. Such a drawing signifies the triumph of negative traits over positive ones, an infringement of the good side. Aggression interferes with goodness, and laziness ruins creativity.
Tattoo of two masks
The tattoo of two masks, tragic and comic, has its definite meaning. Such a tattoo looks very impressive, but when choosing it must be sure that its meaning fully corresponds to your character. The image of the tragic mask denotes sadness and tears, and the comic - joy and laughter. Such tattoos are very popular among actors. The crying mask has its own meaning. A person who put such a tattoo on his body is not the way he presents himself to others.
For girls.
For girls, tattoos with a mask can acquire a slightly different symbolism. Here it is already more relevant to talk not about the 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 tattoos can emphasize this
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It is worth noting that it is women who often have not one image, but several masks together. It is not uncommon to see masks from Venetian carnivals.
They have a distinctive shape and are easily recognizable, so many consider them just a beautiful decoration. In fact, the meaning of such a tattoo hides the equality of all people. As it can hide behind it in a carnival as a merchant, coachman or even a doge.
Double variants, when a sad and cheerful mask is depicted at the same time, shows the fickleness 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 test of fate.
