A
domino mask is a small, rounded
mask covering only the eyes and the space between them. Since the 18th century, the domino mask is worn during
carnival. Venetian Carnival masks were known as domini because they resembled French priests' winter hoods, being black on the outside and white on the inside. The name ultimately derives from the Latin dominus, meaning "lord" or "master."
In comic book and popular culture, a domino mask indicates that a superhero/heroine wishes to maintain his/her secret identity; at the same time the mask actually obscures little of the facial features that make the character recognizable. For example,
Batman's sidekick
Robin and the
Lone Ranger wear a domino mask. A domino mask is very similar to a
masquerade mask, except it is not as embellished or decorated.
The original designs for Batman utilised a simple domino mask as part of his disguise, but Batman co-creator Bill Finger suggested that Bob Kane give him a cape and
cowl instead.
A black domino style mask is also a form of
shorthand commonly used in
television production,
filmmaking, and especially cartoons as the stereotypical attire of a bank robber or burglar. This variation is therefore known as the burglar mask or bandit mask.
Notable fictional users
DC Comics
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