Desert Wanderer’s Mask

“If you really must brave the deserts on foot, there are three things mandatory to carry. A large flask of water, a rifle on your side and a desert wanderer’s mask to survive within the madness of a sandstorm.”   -Golden Empire Nomad

    The mask is a simple yet incredibly important invention, made by the desert dwelling nomads of the Golden Dunes. A steel pair of goggles with glass panes are riveted into a metal and leather strap - which has a cloth mask stitched onto it. Finalized with a leather strap that goes around the facewear, allowing it to be fastened firmly onto the head. This item goes back thousands of years and is known as the oldest pair of goggles ever made. Who first came up with the idea for a protective mask is unknown, but likely several different varieties were invented by various tribes - that later streamlined into one type after trade and unifications started to flourish.   In fact, there have been findings that some of the oldest masks consisted of translucent quartz-fitted bronze goggles that were held together on the head by knotted threads. With the sand filter being separate from the eye protection. This airway filter was only small linen cloth that had to be handheld over the mouth.     In the present day, the mask is far more important than wearing a helmet to avoid brain damage. Shaded glass protects the eyes from overexposure to light just as it keeps the sand out of them. The cloth helps keep the face cool and depending on whether it is a half or full headgear, it also keeps away the sun from ravaging one's skin.   Ironically, in some places - especially with a lot of wind - it may be easier to breathe through the mask rather than stale and dirty air.