Demi-masque de l'opéra "nuo"

Description

wood, paint residues, base

This mask was used in performances of the “Nuo” opera, which developed in southern China among the minorities (Miao, Dong, Yao, Maonan etc.) living there at the time of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Its origins can probably be traced back to earlier shamanism and its rites to ward off evil spirits. The purpose of the “Nuo” opera is to drive away devils, diseases and evil influences and to ask for the blessing of the gods.