A facial covering designed to resemble the cranium of a non-human creature, often crafted from materials like plastic, latex, or resin, intended for celebratory costuming during the autumnal holiday. As a component of a seasonal ensemble, it often covers a significant portion of the wearers face and may include articulated or stationary features intended to mimic skeletal structures.
The adoption of these simulated ossuaries as part of festive garb provides an avenue for individuals to explore themes of mortality and transformation within a controlled, symbolic context. Their prevalence reflects a fascination with the macabre and a desire to subvert conventional notions of beauty and attractiveness. Historically, masks, particularly those referencing death or the animal kingdom, have played a significant role in rituals and performances across various cultures, embodying spirits, ancestors, or deities.