Pelon
A pelon is a type of masque worn in some Coscivian societies, distinguished by a prominent beak that covers the wearer's nose and mouth. Although styles have changed over time and the popularity of the pelon has waxed and waned, the mask has never completely fallen out of vogue.
The pelon has ancient roots in Coscivian culture, originating from folk costumes crafted by many tribes that emulated the appearance of birds from their local ecosystems and worn for ritual purposes and as tribal identity markers and status symbols. The early pelon also served a practical purpose, protecting the face from the wind and rain. Beginning in the 19th century AD, oilskin pelon specifically for wear in nautical environments and rainy weather were manufactured. The masques surged in popularity during periods of urbanisation to protect against disease and blunt the odour of open sewage.
At one point in time the pelon took on connotations of urbane sophistication, and the rural riff-raff were looked down upon for running about unmasqued most of the time. Many upscale restaurants and other establishments require masques for entry. Airlines briefly has masque mandates during the early days of commercial aviation, but this was quickly phased out so as to better accommodate international passengers.
Although wearing the pelon became less common in major coastal cities during the post-Kirosocialist economic liberalisation and hit a nadir in the 1990s AD, it gaining in popularity once again to protect against respiratory diseases and protect privacy. In contemporary times, masques with shorter, broader beaks that do not cover the eyes or forehead are currently more fashionable for everyday wear, with longer beaks and greater face coverage accompanying more formal outfits.
Specialised styles of pelon exist to accompany clerical and professional dress.
Many ultraconservative Coscivian Muslim women wear pelon that fully cover the face.