Masks Unveiled: Historians Shed Light on the Hidden Meanings Behind Humanity's Most Fascinating Facades

Historians Bruno Strasser and Thomas Schlich have co-authored a book titled "The Mask," which explores the multifaceted significance of masks throughout human history. The book, published by Yale University Press in 2025, delves into the various emotions and experiences associated with masks, from the COVID-19 pandemic to ancient theatrical performances in Greece and World War I plagues. According to Strasser and Schlich, masks have symbolized both hope and despair, courage and cowardice, and a sense of community and selfishness. The authors, who include a physician among them, provide a finely illustrated account of the complex history of masks, discussing their efficacy in various contexts, including present-day urban smog and surgery. Strasser notes, "Masks have played a crucial role in human history, serving as a means of expression, protection, and social commentary." Schlich adds, "Our book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of masks, highlighting their significance in various cultures and historical periods." The book's focus on masks during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of the global health crisis. Strasser and Schlich's work provides a unique perspective on the experiences of individuals who wore masks during this time, highlighting the complex emotions and social dynamics that arose from this shared practice. In addition to "The Mask," another book, "The Maya Myths," by anthropologist Mallory Matsumoto, was published by Thames Hudson in 2025. Matsumoto's book explores the ancient Maya hieroglyphs, which remain partially deciphered, with about one-third of the 1,000 distinct symbols still unknown. Matsumoto notes, "The Maya calendar, with its logical structure, demonstrates the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Maya civilization." However, the book also delves into the darker aspects of Maya culture, including human sacrifice. The publication of these two books highlights the ongoing efforts of historians and scholars to understand the complexities of human culture and history. As Strasser and Schlich's work demonstrates, the significance of masks extends far beyond their practical use as a means of protection or expression, revealing deeper insights into human emotions and experiences. The latest developments in the field of mask studies and ancient Maya culture suggest that there is still much to be learned from these complex and multifaceted topics. As scholars continue to explore the history and significance of masks and Maya hieroglyphs, their findings are likely to shed new light on the human experience and our understanding of the world around us.