ANCIENT 19th CENTURY WOODEN NUO OPERA MASK - CHINA

Nuo Operas are mainly based on historic and mythical stories, so that roles range from gods and ancient heroes to animal ghosts. The masks are the key of the Nuo culture. Every main figure has a unique mask. Without masks, the performers are humans; putting them on, the performers are spirits and gods. Nuo Operas are mainly played by men. However, there are also a few female roles and the feminine characteristics are indicated by the masks, vocals and gestures.

Passed down by family or by troupe, Nuo Opera was evolved over thousands of years and spread all over China and neighboring countries such as Japan and Vietnam. Integrating with local customs and developing diversified forms, it borrowed music and percussion accompaniment from other Chinese operas during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Three strict rules are followed by the troupe to this day. At first, a god-worshiping ceremony must be conducted before using any new stage; second, a wooden figure representing the originator of the opera must be carried along wherever the troupe performs; and last, no props are allowed to be touched by anyone outside the troupe, especially women.

The purpose of Nuo opera is to drive away devils, disease and evil influences, and also to petition for blessings from the gods.

 

Nowadays, it still remains popular among rural areas in southwest China, such as Guizhou, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan provinces and Tibet.

19th Century

Condition: splendid old mask with superb wear and tear.

Please have a good look at the pictures as they are part of the description.

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Dimensions height 32cm

                   Width. 35cm

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