The Symbolism Of Masks

Oscar Wilde once said, “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person, give him a mask and he will speak the truth”. Masks reveal one’s self through a different form with the use of different features. Masks have been used widely used through various cultures to hide one’s identity, disguise, or used in (religious) rituals. They can symbolize certain dominant traits, features, ancestry, or imagination. The Majlion (ماجليون), a elegantly made mask, is of fundamental importance to its creator as it represents the creator’s character traits, her culture, and her personality. The name Majlion is a combination Majda, the artist’s name and lion, the dominant animal in the piece of art. Thus, the Majlion reflects its creator through the process …show more content…
The symbolism through animalistic features found in the Majlion is truly significant as it portrays the character traits and personality of the creator put into her mask. Through animals and their features, a description was drawn about the artist and about her work. The marvelous butterfly shaped feature symbolizes powerful changes, and coming of age. The Majlion represents maturity, change, open mindedness, and easily adapting to different environments. The tiara placed above the butterfly mask represents knowledge and awareness. As for the golden antlers, they exemplify demureness, protection and sensitivity. The Majlion’s outline and main design revolves around that of a lion since it gives the mask a sense of strength, power, and leadership. Yet, the mask as a whole represents something of its own. The mask is odd looking, yet beautiful in a uniquely particular way. The Majlion also has a sense of curiosity amplified into its design and tenderness, as well as adventure. Such qualities reflect the artist. Therefore, the artist exposed her redeeming qualities and expressed her personality, not through words, but through the art she created, since masks are just mere reflections of one’s true