Altering one’s appearance, especially one’s face, appeals fundamentally to human nature. The lure of masks goes beyond a desire for disguise, however; masks serve religious purposes almost everywhere they are used. They may be associated with religious ceremonies indirectly, or they may be used to transform the wearer into a divine being, directly channeling the power of gods and spirits for human purposes. Prof. Aaron Fellmeth will discuss the role of masks around the world and the sociocultural purposes they serve. Sponsored by the OSU Religious Studies Program. Originally broadcast November 17, 2020....