Mask "okoroshi"
Description
wood, kaolin, black paint, “laughing” mouth with visible teeth, pierced around the rim, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage, sligth traces of abrasion, on metal base;
this mask type appears at so-called “okoroshi” ceremonies, which are connected with rituals for deities or spirits of the water “owu”. During the rainy season all activities come to rest for about a month, in order to celebrate the appearance of the water spirits. Two groups of dancers are posted opposite to each other: those who encorporate the good spirits “okoroshi oma” or “beautiful ghosts”, whose masks and costumes were dyed in white and on the opposite - those who encorporate the evil spirits “okoroshi ojo” or “malicious, dark ghosts”, whose faces are blackened.