The origins of Greek theater may lie in Dionysian rituals of song, dance and role playing. As the god of wine and good living, Dionysos was a favorite deity among the ancient Greeks, especially with the common people, who frequently had no other entertainment than drinking and carousing. Theater became an important part of Greek life, and by the 5th century, drew crowds to the many amphitheaters scattered around Greece.

Drama was considered to be education as well as entertainment, and festivals were held during which there was no work. At these times, women could attend with men, and the poor were allowed free entrance.

These ancient amphitheaters were large, and those in the back rows had a hard time seeing the faces of the actors. Masks came into existence to remedy this situation. Originally composed of a kind of papier mache that had been painted on, mask designers become an important part of the drama troupe, with audiences having their favorite designs.

Eventually, masks became an art within the greater art, and soon ceramic versions were created for people to use decoratively in the home.