Yes, Sand People, also known as Tusken Raiders, wear masks.
According to the provided reference, All Sand People wore mouth grilles and eye coverings to retain moisture and keep sand out. These coverings function as masks, protecting their faces from the harsh environment of Tatooine.
Why Sand People Wear Masks
The primary reasons and cultural aspects behind the Sand People's mask-wearing tradition include:
- Environmental Protection: Initially, the masks (mouth grilles and eye coverings) were worn to protect against the harsh climate of Tatooine, specifically to retain vital moisture and prevent sand from entering their airways and eyes.
- Cultural Taboo: The need to protect themselves from the environment evolved into a deep-seated cultural practice. The reference notes that their "need to protect their bodies from Tatooine's weather grew into a taboo against exposing any part of their bodies in public."
- Rarely Unmasked: Due to this taboo, Tuskens maintain their coverings almost constantly. As the reference states, "Tuskens almost never unmasked themselves, even in front of one another."
This intricate system of coverings is a fundamental part of their identity, rooted in both practical necessity and profound cultural beliefs.
