Black Face / White Face

Why is it that death masks are always white,
but not seen as threatening?

Is it because those from whom they were made were white ?

Or is it the choice of material ?

But War Masks are black.

Or some variation ?

Regardless of culture.

Or continent.

But from Braveheart painting his face blue (to appear as "other") or indigenous people painting their faces (also in opposing colors - to appear as "other")...

Does the use of one's own color have a different meaning ?

Is the use of a color other than one's own meant to inspire fear ?

Maybe this is what many police officers experience when they see a Black face.