Mask of the High Priestess

The Mask of the High Priestess of Izuru-Delk’isi is one of the most famed items in the known world. Though worn only during the most sacred of ceremonies and therefore rarely glimpsed by the public at large, the Mask is intrinsically connected with the role of High Priestess. It is the symbol of her power and she would not be fully herself without it.

History

The Mask has been an element of the rank of High Priestess since its inception. In modern times, the Mask is handed down by the Priestess to her successor, and its design is therefore always preserved. However, before this standardisation (so to speak), it was the custom for the High Priestess, in her last years or months in office, to design and commission (or ideally make herself) a new Mask to be presented at the ceremony of Designation. Below are a few of these Masks, some rather ancient by now.

This is a very old version of the Mask. It dates back to 900 AL. and was worn by Samta Lukraya, the third High Priestess, until it was confiscated when she became a member of the Displaced Three. The mask was made by the previous Priestess, Tualinn Kev, out of pure gold. The three bars on the forehead are presumed to represent Lukaya’s status as the third of her rank.

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This Mask belonged to Ekrea Domed, the sixth High Priestess, and dates back to around 1040 AL. As one can see, this design is already far more complicated and features heavy sun imagery. It is made from gold and gold-plated wood and was designed by her predecessor- Kruyi Kulefo. Domed wore this iteration of the design until her death in 1074.

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The Temple of Melkor by Elena Kukanova

This version is the design that is still worn today, and has been since 1077 AL. It was made and named the official Mask by Len Ekomah. Her predecessor, Ekrea Domed, had died without designing a new Mask. For this reason, Ekomah wore the previous Mask until her own one could be made. To simplify this process in case a similar death should occur in the future, the design was standardised. It is made out of pure gold, with occasional pieces of wood for support. The design features rays and a disc at the top of the head to emulate the sun, as well as a benevolent but impassive expression.

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Dimensions

50cm x 30cm

Raw materials & Components

Every part of the Mask is either made out of or covered in gold- there are pieces of wood used for structural support but these are fully gold-leafed, with a few gems inset into the rays at the top. The gold is in reverence for and imitation of the sun and Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun and particularly when directly lit, it gleams and seems to radiate light. The Mask is polished regularly to enhance this radiance and given an extra thorough cleaning before rituals like the ceremony of Designation.