You Better Mask Up
History has a way of repeating itself, and antiques are always reminding us of that. This shopper found this steampunk-inspired Plague Doctor mask at a neighborhood antique store, and decided to ironically buy it last year. Although it’s not an actual antique from the time of the bubonic plague, it’s definitely scary enough to remind everyone who sees it of a darker history.
This mask is an updated take on the masks that doctors would wear on house visits while taking care of the sick during outbreaks in the 17th century. They would stuff the beak portion with dried flowers and herbs in order to keep out diseases. Even though we have a better understanding of science and disease today, some things from the past seem all too familiar.