Leopard Head Nuo Drama Mask Featured

Note: All masks of this series are made-to-order, and will take 7 working days to prepare.

The Chinese character Nuo originally meant a patterned step to drive away evil during the last month of the Chinese lunar year. Later, Nuo evolved into a dance. Masks carved out of quality camphor or willow wood are the soul of Nuo Drama. These two kinds of wood are durable and easy to carve. Furthermore, folklore holds that they contain spirits. A mask also has religious implications; as the symbol and medium of a spirit, masks are governed by strict rules. People believe that after performance of a certain ceremony upon its completion, a mask becomes a living god. Women are not allowed to touch a mask, much less put one on. Studies show that the influence of the Nuo Drama mask extends to the facial painting of Beijing Opera and the face changes of Sichuan Opera.Nuo Drama was at one time very popular in every part of China, but with social development faded out in most parts, remaining popular only in southwest China, such as Guizhou, in eastern Yunnan, southern Sichuan and Chongqing, in southwest Hubei and western Hunan and in northern Guangxi. Nuo Dramas vary considerably in different areas.

Leopard Head pattern

Dimensions: 8"1/2x6"1/4x11"1/2

Preparation time: 5 working days