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Masks in Theatre
In some types of theatre, actors wear masks to play certain roles. In Japanese Noh theatre, only male actors play the characters in a play. In order to look like the many different roles that they play, they wear masks. Noh masks represent women, old men, and supernatural beings with different moods and personalities. Can you guess what type of character would wear each of these masks? |
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Ko-jo (old man) Noh mask circa 1900 Japan |
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| Miniature Ko-omote Noh theatre mask Japan "Ko" means cuteness, youth and beauty. "Omote" means face. This mask represents a young woman. |
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Shitadashioto Noh theatre mask Japan This mask represents a "laughing country woman." |
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| Tengu Noh theatre mask Japan Tengu is a demon in Japanese mythology. Why do you think he has such a long nose? His nose represents a beak. Tengu is also the bird form of a mischievous character that caused trouble for people in Japanese villages. |
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Hannya Noh theatre mask Japan Look at the horns and sharp fangs on this mask. Who do you think it represents? Believe it or not, it represents a furious woman who has turned into a demon to avenge her jealousy and anger. |
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