history of masks

Masks are used for may reasons they can be split into what they are used for ritual reasons,for protection,disguise and for entertainment,

ritual 

this has to be the oldest on the list they append  all over the world but they differ graitly to one and another in Africa masks are made of wood and and decorated where meant represent real/mythical animals and people, also where used in ritual dances or totem animals to help ward of evil spirits.
north america did things a bit different inuit tribes and woodland tribes had masks that they called false faces for shamanic rituals, in Egypt masks where used death masks that depict the dead
they also made masked that represented the gods.
in china they have shamanic masks to be used to thank gods and protection from evil spirits they-are also used in ceremony such as weddings and births and deaths.
entertainment

 Masks for entertainment are used in theatre, opera and during carnivals also celebrations
theatre masks were used during Greek times made from wood,leather cork and brass so the sound the people talking could be herd they would put a megaphone on it the mask so the sound would reach more people,
one of the most famous  masks i can think of in entertainment is in the play the phantom of the opera
its just such a simple mask but so iconic.

hide identity

masks have also been used to hides ones identity from the law we all know the classic black eye mask and stripy tops of robbers,
they where used a lot during the renascence period where wealthy locals would be able to mingle with one knowing who they where and to hide there place in society
they are also used in the army as camouflage on tanks ans well as there the British camo patern is called DPM and thst has changed from environment you can get urban and desert as well.

protection 

protection mask come in all shapes and sizes they are mainly used for protecting the face
from flying objects or dust in the air.
in the past they where used by knights in wars police on riot gear as well as gas masks from harmful agents

they are used alot in sports as well some sports are mandatory to were one for your safety such as paint ball,fencing, hockey
they are also used in medical as well so doctors do not breath all over the patient so when they scrub down and wash up they put on a face mask so they and the person is protected from bacteria and germs