How were masks used in medieval mystery plays?

In medieval mystery plays, which were performed between the 12th and 16th centuries, masks were primarily used to bring grotesque characters to life on stage. These characters included devils, demons, dragons, and personifications of the seven deadly sins.1

Constructed from papier-mâché, these masks were noted for their ingenuity and craftsmanship. They were often designed to be articulated and featured hidden contrivances that allowed them to belch fire and smoke, enhancing the dramatic and often terrifying spectacle of the performances. While no reliable pictorial records of these specific masks have survived, they are considered likely predecessors to the masks still used in various European folk traditions and carnivals today.1