Facial Asymmetry Found in Facial Masks

Hwang, Kun; Hwang, Pil Joong; Kim, Yeon Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE
All masks are created by craftspeople. Accordingly, most masks are generally predictable in dimensions, and the portraitures usually depict the faces and heads of humans. The authors found some masks representing the features of facial asymmetry, such as hemifacial microsomia and rerely lateral facial cleft.
METHODS
Reviewing the legends of wearing masks with a medley of grotesque features, the authors could deduce the tone of society in those days.
RESULTS
A mask, 'crooked mouth', of Native Americans shows typical lineament of hemifacial microsomia. The deformity of the face was legendarily regarded as resulting from trauma caused by either 'one's fault' or a 'curse of God'. 'Grandmother' mask, used in the Korean masque dance of the Kosung province and Sooyoung province also shows the typical features of hemifacial microsomia which represent the old, deserted wife. 'Kori sanni yakka' mask in Sri Lanka, shows the facial asymmetry. In the legend, the child who became demon captured humans and caused illness through wind, phlegm, and bile to revenge on his father who killed his mother by deception of her maid.
CONCLUSION
The authors presume that the victims of severe facial asymmetry were treated contemptuously at that time.