greek masks 
An obstacle in studying the subject of Greek theatrical masks is that none of the masks themselves exist. Painters and sculptors copied them at the time so we at least know what they looked like. But as far as actually having an original to study, none exist because "they were carefully modeled of wood, linen and cork," (Kernodle, pg. 128) all materials that deteriorated easily. However, regardless of an existing copy we do know that in all aspects of ancient greek theatre, tragedy and comedy, all actors since " the 5th century, with the exception of flute players," (Brocket, pg. 31) wore masks at all times during perfomances.
Thesbis, the first actor, was said to have tried many styles of face covering including "smearing it with wine dregs and dangling leaves in front of it -- before adopting the traditional mask." (Brockett, pg. 31) Tradition follows that from Thesbis, "Phrynicus was the first to introduce female masks and that Aeschylus was the first to use painted masks" (Brockett (2), pg. 31) As we see in the later periods masks became larger and had more exaggerated features, but in the 5th century, as told by scholars, neither size nor shaper were overtly large and that the mask covered the entire head, included the appropriate hairstyle, beard, ornaments and other features as well. The masks were worn for many reason including: