Masks have a long history that dates back thousands of years, with various cultures and civilizations using them for different purposes. Here are some of the origins of masks:

- Ancient Egypt (around 2500 BCE): Masks were used in religious rituals, to protect the pharaoh's identity, and to ward off evil spirits.
- Ancient Greece and Rome (around 500 BCE): Masks were used in theater to represent different characters and emotions.
- African cultures (various tribes): Masks were used in rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling, often representing ancestors, spirits, or mythological creatures.
- Asian cultures (China, Japan, Korea): Masks were used in theater, rituals, and ceremonies, often representing mythological creatures, demons, or ancestral spirits.
- Native American cultures (various tribes): Masks were used in rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling, often representing animals, spirits, or ancestors.

Masks have also been used for protection, like in the case of:

- Venetian Carnival masks