Twin Mask of Smiles and Sorrow

Most theatre organizations will use the symbol of two masks to identify themselves as an establishment of performing arts. One will be smiling, the other will be frowning. The Cult of Makeus had other intentions. Just like the nature of their patron trickster god, they’ve taken a common symbol, and altered it slightly so that others of the cult may easily identify others who serve Makeus. When the symbol of the two masks is changed so that it is one mask, split in half with one half depicting a smile, and one half depicting the frown of sorrow, it is simply a symbol letting members of the Cult of Makeus know that they are among other followers.
      The symbol is never used publicly. If a theatre company uses the mask, it will be as a tattoo, or embroidered patch on a visible article of clothing. But the sign that they use to identify their business will still show the two separate masks. Most prop designers also take artistic liberties when creating props to be used for shows. Sometimes, the split mask may be mimicked by those who are not a part of the Cult of Makeus. To avoid confusion, the symbol of the cult is blessed by clerics within the organization so that followers will see a red triangle pointed upwards above the eye of the smiling half, and a blue triangle pointing downward under the eye of the frowning half of the mask. To the uninitiated, it will look as if it is just a plain but altered depiction of the twin masks.
      By using this symbol, either as a real mask used in theatre, a tattoo on the skin, or embroidery on clothing, members of the cult can identify followers of the trickster god, and converse with each other about how to best further their god’s machinations. More often than not, he simply wishes for his followers to sow deceit in one form or another. It never hurts, however, to think on a grander scale from time to time.

Item type

Art