The origin of masks dates back thousands of years, with various cultures and civilizations using them for different purposes. Here are some key milestones in the evolution of masks:

- Ancient Mesopotamia (3000 BC): Masks were used in religious rituals and to ward off evil spirits.
- Ancient Egypt (2500 BC): Masks were used to protect the dead in the afterlife and for religious purposes.
- Ancient Greece and Rome (500 BC - 500 AD): Masks were used in theater to represent different characters and emotions.
- Africa (various tribes): Masks have been used for centuries in African cultures for spiritual, ceremonial, and storytelling purposes.