glIndexMask controls the writing of individual bits in the color index buffers. The least significant n bits of mask, where n is the number of bits in a color index buffer, specify a mask. Where a 1 (one) appears in the mask, it's possible to write to the corresponding bit in the color index buffer (or buffers). Where a 0 (zero) appears, the corresponding bit is write-protected.
This mask is used only in color index mode, and it affects only the buffers currently selected for writing (see glDrawBuffer). Initially, all bits are enabled for writing.