The fashion of Surgical Masks & DIY Tutorial for making masks
Quarantine Journals:
The Fashion Of Masks through the ages
For as long as there have been civilizations there have been life threatening plagues. One may argue this condition is literally just another part of humanity, our very own natural limiting sequence. From as far back as 1347 to present we have been living, existing and otherwise cohabiting with various mutating forms of the plague.
With every incarnation of the plague came the need to protect oneself from the spread. Doctors on the front lines came up with new and interesting designs incorporating all kinds of new features and gimmicks to make dealing with mass deaths more appealing. The mask was born out of necessity and made its way into popular fashion culture in more incarnations than a flu virus.
The black plague, a flea borne, rat delivered sickness that began in South Asia, with symptoms that included blackening of the flesh (hence its namesake) became the most devastating pandemic recorded in human history. Resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in Eurasia. Most victims died two to seven days after initial infection. Freckle-like spots and rashes, which could have been caused by flea-bites, were identified as a potential sign of the plague.
Plague doctors emerged with a beaked bird like mask. A primitive gas mask. The long beak like design allowed for herbs and spices to be stuffed into the front of the mask reducing the odors associated with tending to the mass amounts of infected people as well as the deceased. Red glass eye pieces were added to ward of any evil influences that may beseech the good doctors. Black Robes and Capes seemed to also top this ensemble off in most cases, covered from head to toe and armed with their choice of good smelling herbs stuffed securely into the the front of their masks these bird doctors roamed the streets bringing aid to those that could benefit. A crow like silhouette, moving from huddled person to huddled person.
The Plague Doctors mask stuck through the next event of Smallpox in the 1500's with minor alterations to this general idea and design.
Things were getting back to normal when in 1918 The Spanish Flu emerged from a Norwegian freighter steamed into New York Harbor with nine flu cases aboard. Believed to have started in the trenches of WW1 and spread by returning soldiers. By the end of the next month, so-called Spanish Influenza has spread to 26 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
By the time in wound down in 1919, 28% of all Americans were infected and 675,000 had died. Masks during this pandemic took on a streamlined and simple approach, gone were the glass eyes and beaked shape.
Replaced with looped cotton mouth and nose covers, to protect from the easily transmitted influenza. Much like todays COVID-19 pandemic, the public was asked to stay indoors and wear protective coverings in public.
The Gas mask became more refined during this time, also streamlining features and amping up production to meet the demands of medical staff on the front lines and in hospitals.
These refinements would become common place for every American during the "hottest" days of the Cold War (Cuban Missile Crisis, Brezhnev's Fight with Imperialism, etc) of the 1950's. "Wear it once, get scarred for life." was a common phrase shared by many during the nuclear defense craze of the 50s and 60s. Under the impression that impending nuclear war loomed over the population. Families were encouraged to shelter in bunkers and suit up in top of the line specifically engineered gas masks. Children, dogs and babies were not exempt, different gas masks were created for all.
Not to be outdone by nuclear war influenza made another appearance in the form of The Asian Flu pandemic in1957. Another global showing for influenza. With its roots in China, the disease claimed more than 1 million lives. Gas Masks were commonplace by this time and considered the protection item of choice during this wave of illness.
As we wade through the next weeks of quarantine and our own incarnations and adaptations of protective gear, its nice to know we are not alone. Medical units all over the united states and beyond need masks in large quantities. If you can sew and feel inclined below is a downloadable PDF pattern for basic masks. Feel free to use and share, make masks for yourself and loved ones and for local and national medical teams.
Good luck out there Valentines, and stay home, stay safe, watch out for yourself and each other.
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