从古文字形看面具的作用

The Role of Masks from the Ancient Form

摘要: 面具作为一种富有神秘色彩的器物，在古文字义字形中，带有“面具” 这一象形符号的字具有“扮演鬼神”、“戴面具行刑”以及“表演、娱乐”的含义。由此可见面具地位经历了祭祀中与鬼神交流的媒介、刑罚中威严权力的象征以及娱乐表演中的道具三个阶段。这与人们的认知能力、文化的发展程度是息息相关的。

Abstract: As a mysterious artifact, the mask has the meaning of “playing ghosts”, “wearing masks during execution” and “performance, entertainment” in the ancient Chinese characters. It can be seen that the status of the mask has experienced three stages: the medium of communication with the ghosts and gods in the sacrifices, the symbol of the majestic power in the penalty, and the props in the entertainment performance. This is closely related to people's cognitive ability and cultural development.