Clown masks
Throughout the world masks are used for their expressive power . The image of Comedy and Tragedy masks are widely used to represent the Performing Arts, and specifically Drama. Masks are also used in traditional pageants, ceremonies, rituals and festivals. The mask is normally worn as part of a costume and is used for its power and mystery both for their wearers and their audience.
The continued popularity of wearing masks at childrens parties and for festivals such as Halloween are good examples. These are usually mass-produced plastic masks, usually associated with popular films, TV programmes or cartoon characters - they are, however, reminders of the enduring power of pretence and play and the power and appeal of masks.
Many people find clowns disturbing rather than amusing and it is common for children and adults to be afraid of disguised, exaggerated, or costumed figures. In a study to improve hospital decor for children, researchers from the University of Sheffield polled 250 children about their feelings on clowns and all 250 children in the study within the age range of four and sixteen said that they found clowns frightening. Clown masks tend to exaggerate the facial features such as large red noses, large mouth and white skin and it can make them scary as easily as it can make them funny. However some studies suggest that a fear of clowns may stem from early childhood as babies begin to recognise facial features. The deformed features in a clown's face may frighten a child so much that they form a phobia which stays with them through their adult life
The term coulrophobia describes an abnormal, exaggerated, or irrational fear of clowns. This is maybe why clown masks play a large part of Halloween as so many people find them scary rather than funny.