Greeks, Egyptians and other civilizations sometimes placed a mask on the face of the dead person. In the case of a king or important nobleman, the mask might be made of gold or be ornamented with jewels or colorful enameling. The mask would protect the dead person from being attacked by evil spirits or might guide him to his new home. An ornate and valuable mask would give the dead an important aspect in the afterlife. Funerary masks sometimes represent the dead person in a nearly realistic style and sometimes were made during the models lifetime.
Masks are common to many cultures and can be intended to be worn or for purely ornamental purposes.
As religion, ritual, theater or art, masks imply a change of identity for the wearer and allow him to become more than human.