You have probably seen on social media, videos, anime, and various other media, people dressed with a horse head. And it really is very funny and makes you want to take photos when you see someone wearing that head. This vinyl and latex mask known as Horse Head Mask is used for humorous effect and as a symbol of anonymous on the Japanese web. In this article, we will understand a little about these masks and how they went viral.
The original horse head mask was originally manufactured in 2002 by Archie MCPhee & Co. It was sold as a Halloween costume in the USA, its purpose was to be scary, however, it is more funny and iconic. We don't know exactly how it went viral, but it is simply funny and that result is expected.
After thousands of references to the horse head mask, it became popular all over the world. One of the first references occurred in 2005 in a guide called Lonely Planet, where it told the story of travelers who wore horse masks.
Several funny events, photos and videos involving people with horse head spread and further strengthened this meme. Horse masks had a big spike between 2009 and 2011. There's even a moment where a guy with a horse's head shakes hands with Obama. This must have generated even more fame for these masks.
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How did horse heads influence Japan?
The first time a horse mask appeared in an anime was in 1999 in Sol Bianca: The Legacy. The second reference in anime was in the anime Full Metal Panic, where there was a character with a horse head called Pony-man, who chased students with a hairbrush.
The third appearance was in 2007 in a school girl anime called Strawberry Marshmallow. And then in 2013 in the anime Boku wa Tomodachi ga sukunai Next. The mask also appeared in the anime Hamatora in 2014 and in a few other places.
Horse masks became very popular in Japan through Nico Nico Douga. Many who wished to remain anonymous used these masks. A large influence came from the Japanese artist Wotaken. He posted several videos on YouTube that spread and went viral all over the world.
It may not have been influenced by the horse head mask. But there is even a visual novel or dating sim called Uma no Purinsu-sama that tells the story of a girl and a horse with half a human head.
Buying a horse head mask
Nowadays many people have already bought the horse head mask. It can be found on the internet for a reasonable price in the range of 10 USD. After this big viral, several versions and colors appeared, as well as animal heads like unicorns and zebras.
It is best to go out with this mask on the street and draw a lot of attention from people. Many ask to take a picture and question their intellect and species. Did I get mine myself and you? Do you have the courage to use one? What do you think of these masks? We would like to hear your opinion in the comments and your sharing.