Masks were used for a wide variety of purposes across many ancient cultures. Some of the most common purposes were as funerary masks for important persons, as protection in warfare, worn during theatre performances, or to be worn by impersonators of gods during religious ceremonies. Materials were typically of high value such as gold, jade, and turquoise. This collection spans some 3,000 years from Egypt to the Americas. Egyptian Masks Greek Mask Roman Masks Americas Masks For information on the image rights in this collection, please click on each photographer’s name within the image caption. All images can be seen on the Ancient History Encyclopedia website.