The practice of creating death masks wasn't abruptly discontinued on a specific date. Its usage varied across cultures and time periods. While the creation and use of death masks declined significantly over time, they haven't entirely ceased.
The Evolution of Death Masks
Death masks, used to preserve the likeness of the deceased, have a long history. Evidence suggests their use in some cultures dates back to antiquity. For example, this reference notes that death masks were used as part of effigies in some European countries. Another source mentions that in ancient Rome, death masks were displayed in family atria as symbols of social and political status, a practice dating back to the 2nd century BC and continuing into the 6th century AD. [This is supported by the following information](These masks were displayed, after one's death in his family's atrium as a sign of social and political prominence. This usage was already established by the 2nd century BC and continued to be used into the 4th and perhaps as late as the 6th century AD.).
However, the widespread use of death masks diminished gradually over centuries. The specific timeframe of their decline is difficult to pinpoint, as it wasn't a sudden cessation but a slow decrease in popularity, dependent on cultural and societal changes. A more recent example shows that even by the time of Napoleon's death, the delay between death and mask creation had become notable. This is illustrated in the following article: "By this point, Napoleon had been deceased for longer than was usual when making death masks, so his face is immortalised in its deathly state –".
Today, death masks are less common than in previous eras. While still made occasionally for artistic or historical purposes, or in specific cultural contexts, they are not as prevalent as a widespread mortuary practice.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors likely contributed to the decline in death mask creation:
- Changing funerary practices: The evolution of burial and memorialization customs led to alternative methods of commemorating the deceased.
- Advances in photography and other technologies: The development of photography provided a more readily available and less laborious method of preserving likenesses.
- Shifting cultural attitudes: Changes in societal views towards death and mortality might have influenced a decrease in the demand for death masks.
Therefore, there is no single date marking the end of death mask creation. Their use declined gradually over an extended period, influenced by evolving cultural practices and technological advancements.
