What masks were/are used for, and what is there purpose?

Question

a short explanation of what masks were/are used for, and what is there purpose?

Answer 1

Hiding or intimadating

Answer 2

1. Entertainment e.g. in theatre

2. Protection e.g. gas mask

3. Hiding identity e.g. bank robbery

4. Being scary e.g. Slipknot

Answer 3

That is far too general of a question.  You have to be more specific because there are all kinds of masks.  There are funeral masks, theatrical masks, classical party masks, halloween masks.  What specifically are you asking about.