The mask is a universal culture of mankind and a cultural resource that reveal the characteristics of each nation. Various forms and functions of the masks exist in each culture.
Masks are widely identified not only in Korea, but also all around the world. Regardless of cultural regions, masks have been passed down in forms of faith symbolizing abundance and fertility, or in artistic forms of dance, theater, or sculpture from primitive times to the present day. Masks are not only a great formative art, but also a precious cultural resource and cultural heritage expressing the many emotions of mankind. Masks have been widely used not only for the prevention of exposing one’s identity, but also for magical or artistic acts with rich meaning in the face engraved on the mask. Masks are also still in use among the existing primitive peoples. The Eskimo of the Arctic, and inhabitants of the African continent, and various islands of Oceania still use masks for magical functions. Masks are used at folklore events in Europe, while they are used in masquerades for the gods in Asia.