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Adomino mask is a small and (often) roundedmask covering only the area around the eyes and the space between them. The mask has seen special prevalence since the 18th century, when it became traditional wear in particular local manifestations ofCarnival, particularly withVenetian Carnival, as part of a domino costume, which included the mask and a black cloak. Domino masks have found their way into a variety of high and popular art forms.
The name is believed to derive from the Latindominus, for "lord". The exact derivation is unknown.[1]
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Domino masks are worn duringCarnival, e.g. at theVenetian Carnival, where it is part of the more extensive black (though occasionally white and blue)domino costume worn by both male and female participants, which accomplishes the requirement of themasquerade that participants be masked or otherwise disguised, and achieves the elements of adventure, conspiracy, intrigue, and mystery that are distinctive of the masquerade atmosphere; the costume includes the mask, as well as a cloak to envelope the body, and sometimes a hood (bahoo).[2][3]
The domino mask has also found its way into the political landscapes of non-Western cultures via political cartooning, though likely through the earlier influences of popular (and therefore exported) 18th century and later European and American purveyors of the same genre:[4] for instance, Johnny Hidajat, the Indonesian New Order cartoonist (e.g., forPos Kota andStop in Jakarta), consistently features the character Djon Domino, and a relationship between this character and the domino mask has been argued.[4]
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Domino masks have appeared in various images in art, such asLa Femme au Masque, a painting byHenri Gervex in 1885. The subject is 22-year-old Parisienne Marie Renard wearing only a domino mask.
In the 1910 novelLe Fantôme de l'Opera (The Phantom of the Opera), Christine Daaé instructs her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, to wear a "domino" (presumably a mask and cape) to meet her, as she is trying to hide their relationship from the jealous "Opera Ghost" who is stalking her.[5]
The mask is popular in superhero comics, where it is often worn by costumed heroes and villains such asZorro, TheLone Ranger,Robin the Boy Wonder and theGreen Hornet with the implication that they hide the hero'ssecret identity[6]
