Learn about hahoe tal the Korean mask.

Abstract

The Hahoe masks are the important cultural inheritance in Korea. They are designated as national treasure and known worldwide as masterpieces of art. Originally there were 12 masks but 3 were lost and they are known by their name and only 9 are remain today. A Korean word 'Tal' (mask) means 'true face'. 'Tal' in Korean also means trouble and harm, and mask play is a ritual act to pray for peace of a village. Peace in a village means without accidents, disasters and diseases. They are "Tal". Therefore, ritual mask play is to prevent "Tal" in a village. It is known that people with stress and oppression in the pressure of society, express their emotions and feeling in the mask dance when they wear the masks. Hahoe masks were made for ritual rite purpose for guardian deity in a village. People thought they needed to entertain the guardian deity so mask drama was done comically