Their faith in the mask as a counterweight to state power finds echoes in a series of large-scale anti-capitalism demonstrations that took place around the world in June 1999. One unnamed, masked activist who took part in a protest in London had this to say:  “Today we shall give this resistance a face; for by putting on our masks we reveal our unity; and by raising our voices in the street together, we speak our anger at the facelessness of power.”

A fine arts student wears make-up during the Catrina's parade in Guadalajara October 26, 2012. Students of fine arts took part in their Catrina's parade as part of the celebrations for the Day of the Dead, local media reported. La Catrina, a popular figure in Mexico known as "The Elegant Skull".
Does heavy make-up count as a mask? Above, a student in Guadalajara, Mexico, celebrates the Day of the Dead.
Image: Reuters/Alejandro Acosta

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